Blood Collection Techniques in Exotic Small Mammals

Abstract 

Blood collection from small exotic pocket pets can be difficult to achieve. The individual collecting the blood must know both the anatomy and behavior of the species to obtain suitable amounts of blood for diagnostic testing. Given the animals' small size, it is often difficult to collect large volumes of blood. A clinician serious in developing an exotic small mammal practice should understand the limitations of blood sample collection and the risks involved with the procedure. Unlike domestic animals, these pets are often not comfortable with being handled and are often prone to induced complications when presented to a veterinary clinic and restrained for examination. For some cases, the clinician will have to determine if the risk of getting the sample is better achieved by anesthetizing the patient, and if doing so will have a detrimental effect on the animal. One will also need to consider the effect of the anesthetic versus the stress the restraint may have on the blood results.

Key words: blood collection, exotic small mammal, ferret, rabbit, rodent, venipuncture