How to give a rat Unidox? - briefly
Calculate the dose from the rat’s weight (≈10 mg Unidox per kg) and dissolve the measured amount in a small volume of water or sucrose solution. Administer the solution orally with a calibrated gavage tube or by letting the rat drink it from a pipette.
How to give a rat Unidox? - in detail
Administering Unidox to a laboratory rat requires precise calculation, proper preparation, and vigilant monitoring.
First, determine the animal’s body weight in grams. The recommended dose is 10 mg of Unidox per kilogram of body weight, administered once daily. Convert the weight to kilograms, multiply by 10 mg, and round to the nearest 0.5 mg for accuracy.
Prepare the solution in sterile saline or distilled water. Dissolve the calculated amount of Unidox powder, ensuring complete dissolution by gentle vortexing. Adjust the final volume to 1 ml per 100 g of body weight; this standardizes the concentration for oral gavage.
For oral delivery, use a calibrated gavage needle (20‑22 G, 1.5 in). Restrain the rat gently, tilt the head upward, and insert the needle along the esophageal axis. Deliver the measured volume slowly to avoid aspiration. Confirm successful administration by observing the animal’s swallowing reflex.
If mixing the medication into food or water, calculate the total daily intake based on average consumption (approximately 10 ml of water or 5 g of feed per 100 g body weight). Distribute the drug uniformly, replace the mixture daily, and monitor for any changes in consumption patterns.
Record the following data for each administration: animal identification, weight, dose (mg), volume delivered, route, time, and any immediate adverse reactions. Maintain a log for at least seven days post‑treatment to detect delayed effects.
Safety measures include wearing gloves, protective eyewear, and a lab coat. Dispose of used needles and contaminated materials in biohazard containers. Clean the work surface with an appropriate disinfectant after each session.
Regular health checks should be performed: assess body condition, activity level, and any signs of gastrointestinal distress. If adverse symptoms appear, discontinue the drug and consult a veterinarian.