I am a beginner in the field of bone marrow transplantation. I have a problem in that when performing mouse tail injection I usually do not see the vein. Does anyone know what is the best way to efficiently perform tail injection in BL6 mice?
Braintree Scientific sells a plexiglas device that restrains the mouse with just its tail outside in the proper orientation for IV injection. You can easily modify the device with electrical tape and a 4W night light to add a light and heat source which aid visualization of the tail vein. If possible inject in a darkened room. 70% ethanol swabs help dilate the blood vessel just prior to injection.
At first, you have to restrain the mice in a plexiglas container. In addition to all these methods, you can also use warm water in order to improve vasodilatation. Then use a 26G needle and inject fluid into the caudal vein.