How to revive a live mouse? - briefly
Check for breathing; if none, clear the airway, apply gentle chest compressions, and keep the mouse warm. Continue stimulation until spontaneous respiration returns, then monitor vital signs for stability.
How to revive a live mouse? - in detail
Reviving a mouse that has stopped moving requires immediate assessment of breathing and heart activity, followed by appropriate stimulation techniques.
First, place the animal on a warm, dry surface. Check for a pulse by gently feeling the femoral artery near the inner thigh. If no pulse is detectable, begin chest compressions. Position two fingers over the sternum and apply gentle pressure at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Depth should be approximately 1 mm, sufficient to depress the thoracic cavity without causing injury.
Second, stimulate respiration. After 5–10 compressions, deliver a small volume of oxygen (approximately 0.5 mL) using a calibrated micro‑pipette placed at the nostrils. If a specialized mouse ventilator is available, set tidal volume to 0.2 mL and respiratory rate to 150 breaths per minute. Continue alternating compressions and ventilation until spontaneous breathing resumes or a pulse is felt.
Third, monitor recovery signs. Observe for rhythmic chest movements, audible breaths, and reappearance of a femoral pulse. Once these indicators are present, keep the mouse on a heated pad (30–32 °C) for at least 10 minutes to prevent hypothermia. Provide access to water and a small amount of soft food.
If no improvement occurs after 2 minutes of coordinated compressions and ventilation, consider the following interventions:
- Administer a dilute solution of glucose (5 % dextrose, 10 µL) intraperitoneally to counteract possible hypoglycemia.
- Inject a low dose of epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg) subcutaneously if cardiac arrest is suspected.
- Seek veterinary assistance immediately, as prolonged ischemia can cause irreversible damage.
All procedures must comply with institutional animal care guidelines and be performed by personnel trained in small‑animal emergency care. Proper documentation of the incident, interventions, and outcomes is essential for ethical review and future reference.