Figure 4b: Enema procedure
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Photo 1:
Shows area of blockage by stool. Gentle external manipulation of stool must be done before proceeding with enema. |
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Step 1: Gently manipulate stool to allow access for instillation of enema fluid into the anus. |
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Step 2: Position rat in the crook of your arm and hold securely. If he struggles, use restraint. He must be kept still to prevent injury during instillation of enema. |
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Step 3: Sometimes it is necessary to instill a small volume enema of 1 cc mineral oil, to soften and remove some of the stool before instilling a followup enema. Be sure to prelubricate syringe tip with a water based lubricant such as K-Y jelly. |
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Step 4: Gently dislodge the blockage and squeeze to allow stool to move past the anal sphincter. This can cause momentary pain as the hard stool causing the blockage stretches the anus. |
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Step 5: Holding the rat securely carefully insert a curved tip needleless syringe into the anus, and gently instill 2-3cc of mineral oil or gentle liquid soap suds. Hold the anal opening closed with your fingers to prevent the solution from leaking. |
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Step 6: Hold solution in to soften stool before allowing to be expelled. |
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Step 7: Gently massaging the rat can help move the fecal matter through the intestines and colon. This should be soothing to your rat. Discontinue if it causes pain. |
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The photo on the top left shows stool produced in a normally functioning colon compared with that retained in Megacolon. The photo below that shows completion following an enema of the amount of stool that can be retained in a rat with Megacolon. | |
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Procedure and photos courtesy of Bellaratta’s Nest Rattery
