Surgical staples

Following survival surgeries, muscle layers were sutured with 4–0 silk sutures (Covidien) and the skin was closed with surgical staples (Braintree Scientific). The surface of the skin was treated with a topical iodine solution. Immediately following the procedure, rats were treated with 5-ml subcutaneous injections of lactated Ringer’s solution (Hospira), buprenorphine hydrochloride (0.05 mg/kg; Hospira) and cefazolin (6 mg; Hospira). Rats were then placed in a clean cage on a surgical heating pad set to 37°C (Gaymar). At 12 and 24 h after surgery, each rat was given an additional dose of buprenorphine hydrochloride (0.05 mg/kg) and 5 ml of lactated Ringer’s solution and monitored for pain/distress.

Areas around incisions were shaved with electric clippers (Andis Company, Sturtevant, WI, United States, cat#: 22350), and the skin was cleaned with 10% betadine and sprayed with Lanacaine, which contains benzocaine (20%), benzethonium chloride (0.2%), and ethanol (36%). Intravenous silastic catheters were implanted in the right external jugular vein and passed under the skin to exit in the mid-scapular region. The catheters were accessible through a backport pedestal mount that was secured under the skin with surgical staples (Braintree Scientific, Inc., Braintree, MA, United States, cat#: ACS APL, EZC CS).