Читать книгу Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant - Lori Renda-Francis - Страница 71

Rats and mice use their one means of defense – their teeth. Most rats and mice are easily handled and not very aggressive but they can bite if handled roughly or incorrectly. Mice have an increased tendency to bite if worried, stressed, or handled by an unfamiliar person. The best way of handling a mouse is to grasp it firmly by the base of the tail, lift it up carefully and then place it on to a nonslip table. Once it is placed on the table, grasp the scruff firmly between the thumb and forefinger. The mouse is now securely restrained for examination or for administration of any medication.

Rats tend not to bite unless roughly handled. The easiest way to pick up a tame rat is around the middle with one hand just behind the front legs, putting the other hand underneath to support the rat’s weight. If you have an unfriendly or aggressive rat then the safest way to handle it is in much the same way as the mouse. Grasp it by the base of the tail, lift it on to a nonslip table, and then scruff it by the back of the neck with your thumb and forefinger. It is extremely important to remember that you should never grasp any mouse or rat by the end of the tail. This causes the skin to slough off, leading to severe damage and possible amputation of the tail.