Shortening of rat teeth prevents autocannibalization of surgical flaps.

Self-biting in laboratory rats is an irritating problem that can impede progress and affect the credibility of experimental interventions. Autocannibalization frequently complicates the epigastric skin flap model that is often used to evaluate flaps. In one of the authors' studies, the autocannibalization rate of 55.6 percent in nine rats with unprotected skin flaps of the entire abdominal wall necessitated the application of previously reported plastic collars and protective vests to hinder self-biting. Because the use of these devices resulted in distress symptoms in nine of 11 rats with collars and flap congestion in five of five rats with vests, rat incisor teeth shortening was introduced as a stress-free method to prevent chewing. Careful teeth cutting obviated autocannibalization in 19 of 20 rats (p<0.01) during a 5-day follow-up. Rat incisor teeth shortening performed every 3 or 4 days is a simple, inexpensive, and reliable method to prevent autocannibalization in the rat, while maintaining the well-being of the animal.