Oral gavage is commonly used in drug and toxicology studies to deliver a precise amount of test material, and can also be used to administer medications. A special gavage needle with a ball at the end is used to deliver materials directly into the stomach.
The
ball on the gavage needle prevents entry into the trachea. The length of
the gavage tube required is determined by measuring the distance from the mouth
to the last rib. The rat should be held with the head and neck extended
and in line with the back. If the gavage tube does not easily pass into
the esophagus, remove it and try again.