What to apply to a rat’s eye? - briefly
Apply a sterile ophthalmic antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin or polymyxin B/trimethoprim) as a thin layer on the cornea after rinsing with sterile saline. For lubrication, use a preservative‑free artificial tear solution between treatments.
What to apply to a rat’s eye? - in detail
When treating a rodent’s ocular surface, select agents that are sterile, non‑irritating, and compatible with the species’ physiology.
First‑line options for cleaning or rinsing include sterile isotonic saline or balanced salt solution. Apply a few drops with a pipette, allowing the fluid to flow across the cornea and drain naturally. Avoid forceful irrigation that could damage delicate tissues.
For prophylactic or therapeutic antimicrobial coverage, use ophthalmic ointments or drops formulated for small mammals. Acceptable products are:
- 0.3 % gentamicin ophthalmic solution
- 0.5 % bacitracin ophthalmic ointment
- 1 % chloramphenicol ophthalmic suspension
Apply 1–2 µL per eye, spreading the medication gently with a sterile applicator. Repeat every 4–6 hours as indicated by the infection severity.
When anesthesia of the eye is required for procedures, employ topical agents such as 0.5 % proparacaine or 0.5 % tetracaine. Deliver 1 µL to the corneal surface; the effect begins within seconds and lasts 5–10 minutes. Verify that the animal shows no systemic signs of toxicity before proceeding.
If inflammation or pain must be controlled, consider a low‑dose corticosteroid ophthalmic preparation (e.g., 0.1 % dexamethasone). Use a single drop (≈1 µL) twice daily, limiting treatment to no more than 5 days to prevent secondary infection.
General guidelines for all applications:
- Use sterile equipment for each dose.
- Perform the procedure under a dissecting microscope or magnifying lens to ensure precise placement.
- Observe the eye for signs of excessive tearing, swelling, or discharge after treatment; adjust or discontinue the agent if adverse reactions appear.
- Record the substance, concentration, volume, and timing for each administration to maintain accurate dosing history.
These practices provide effective, safe ocular care for laboratory rats and minimize the risk of complications.