How to rinse a rat’s nose? - briefly
Use a sterile saline solution applied with a calibrated pipette or small syringe, gently delivering a few drops into each nostril while the rat is held supine. After administration, keep the animal on a warm surface and observe for normal breathing.
How to rinse a rat’s nose? - in detail
Cleaning a rodent’s nasal passages requires sterile equipment, gentle technique, and proper restraint.
First, prepare a sterile saline solution (0.9 % NaCl) at body temperature. Use a 1 ml syringe fitted with a soft, flexible catheter (e.g., a 24‑gauge pediatric feeding tube).
Second, immobilize the animal. Hold the rat securely but without applying pressure to the spine; a trained handler can use a thumb and forefinger to grasp the loose skin behind the neck while supporting the hindquarters with the other hand.
Third, position the catheter. Gently insert the tip into the nostril at a shallow angle, advancing no more than 2–3 mm to avoid damaging the turbinates.
Fourth, deliver the solution. Depress the syringe plunger slowly, releasing 0.1–0.2 ml of saline per nostril. Allow the fluid to flow through the nasal cavity and exit the opposite nostril or the mouth. Observe for clear runoff; any resistance indicates possible obstruction.
Fifth, remove excess fluid. Use a sterile gauze pad to dab the external nares, preventing drip onto the fur.
Sixth, monitor the animal. Watch for normal breathing, absence of sneezing or distress, and ensure the rat regains a stable posture before releasing it.
If blockage persists, repeat the rinse once more, ensuring total volume does not exceed 0.4 ml per nostril to prevent over‑inflation.
Maintain a log of each procedure, noting the date, solution temperature, volume used, and any adverse reactions. This record supports consistent care and facilitates troubleshooting in future instances.