Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN

Compound administration is often an integral component of an animal study. Many factors need to be evaluated to ensure that the compound is delivered correctly. The route of administration affects the mechanisms of absorption. The characteristics of the substance to be introduced (the pH, viscosity, and concentration) may dictate which route of administration is selected.1,2,3

1. Topical application 

1. Before applying any ointments and creams, remove all fur from the area through the use of a depilatory cream or by shaving.
2. Thoroughly clean and dry the skin.
3. Apply the substance directly to the skin with a cotton-tipped applicator or via a directly-placed drop to avoid contact by the technician.
4. For best results, apply several thin layers of ointment or cream opposed to a onetime application of a thick layer.
5. Apply liquid by parting the hai

The safest and most humane method of compound administration is through oral dosing if it is possible to incorporate it into the feed or water. Oral gavage is a precise dosing method but is also very stressful to the animal, and it requires technical proficiency. Topical administration is usually accomplished with little or no restraint of the animal, once the area is properly prepared. Careful consideration of the route of administration should factor in the potential stress to the animals.

1. Turner, P.V., Pekow, C., Vasbinder, M. A., and Brabb, T. 2011. Administration of substances to laboratory animals: equipment and considerations, vehicle selection, and solution preparation. JAALAS. 50:5. 614-627.
2. Shimizu, S. 2004. Routes of Administration in The Laboratory Mouse. Elsevier.
3. Machholz, E., Mulder, G., Ruiz, C., Corning, B. F., Pritchett-Corning, K. R. 2012. Manual Restraint and Common Compound Administration Routes in Mice and Rats. J. Vis. Exp. (67), e2771, doi:10.3791/2771.
4. Turner, P. V., Brabb, T., Pekow, C., Vasbinder, M. A. 2011. Administration of substances to laboratory animals: routes of administration and factors to consider. JAALAS. 50, 600-613.
5. Hoggart, A.F., Hoggart, J., Honerlaw, M., and Pelus, L.M. 2010. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down: a novel technique to improve oral gavage in mice. JAALAS. 49:3. 329-334.
6. Gonzales, C., Zaleska, M.M., Riddell, D.R., Atchison, K.P., Robshaw, A., Zhou, H., and Rizzo, S.J. 2014. Alternative method of oral administration by peanut butter pellet formulation results in target engagement of BACE1 and attenuation of gavage-induced stress responses in mice. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior. 126:28-35.
7. Zumkehr, B., Hermann, C., Theurillat, R., Thormann, W., Gottstein, B., and Hemphill, A. 2012. Voluntary ingestion of antiparasitic drugs emulsified in honey represents an alternative to gavage in mice. JAALAS. 51:2. 219-223.