In order to evaluate the potential wound healing effect of new drugs, and synthetic dressings, it is essential to use reliable in vivo experimental models of burns. This review presents the key steps involved in generating cutaneous burns in a rat model. Besides presenting general consideration concerning the experimental design; the entire burn sequence, from burn up to postoperative care is described. First, major preoperative procedures [anaesthesia and, skin area preparation] are discussed. Then, a full description of the most current and widely used burn inflicting methods is presented. Finally, the postoperative care section discusses analgesia, fluid therapy, and wound care. By addressing all these issues, we provide new investigators with a solid background from which to begin their experimental studies on burns, especially those investigating the burn healing properties of new drugs.
