Figure 3: Equipment

Scale for monitoring rat’s weight.


Otoscope for looking in rat ears.


Pill cutter (splitter) for dividing tablets.


Stethoscope.

Ingredients: Nebulizer and Mouthpiece (note: this can also be used while holding the rat in one’s lap. See: http://www.rmca.org/Articles/albuterol.htm ), Matte Cutter, Aquarium Sealant, Form of Heat, Sterlite Tub (or similar).

Trace a marker line around the out-hole on the mouth piece and then put it on the tub for an outline. Use the matte cutter to cut the hole. Cut a little bit inside the line so the mouth piece has a snug fit. The lighter was used to melt some of the plastic off the cut circle, and scissors were used to flatten the melted plastic along the sides of the opening until the mouth piece could fit through the hole.
Dab a bit of the aquarium clear sealant glue on the outside to cover any holes that might exist when cutting opening.
Make the container comfortable inside for your rat. Place solution to be nebulized into the cup, place rat inside container and nebulize for amount of time instructed.

Nebulizer and container description also courtesy of Nathalie Baldwin at RatRaisins,Inc.

Posted on August 12, 2003, 10:09, Last updated on October 21, 2005, 09:15 | Figures