Avian and Exotic Restraint Blood Collection

Question 1

How much blood can you safely pull from a lizard? What size needle gauge?

Answer 1

You can pull 0.5-0.8% of body weight, 0.5-0.8ml/100 grams. 22-25 gauge needle.

Question 2

What is close to lizards blood vessels and can contaminate sample? What color is the fluid?

Answer 2

The lymphatic vessels and the lymphatic fluid can contaminate the sample.The lymphatic fluid is yellow.

Question 3

Name all the places you can draw from a lizard.

Answer 3

Ventral abdominal vein, Ventral Coccygeal Vein/Tail Vein, Cardiac Puncture, Toe nails.

Question 4

Which place is not recommended/avoided?

Answer 4

Toe nails should always be avoided. It can be painful and sample can be contaminated.

Question 5

Name all the places you can draw from a snake?

Answer 5

Cardiac Puncture, Ventral Coccygeal/Tail Vein, Palatine veins.

Question 6

Where is a palatine vein located?

Answer 6

Located on inside of mouth on either side of the hard palate. Prone to saliva contamination.

Question 7

What is the primary source for snakes?

Answer 7

Cardiac puncture, best on snakes larger than 200 grams.

Question 8

When drawing from the ventral coccygeal vein what must you be careful not to touch?

Answer 8

The hemipenes. They are 1/3inch from vent on both snakes and lizards. Also some lizards can detach tail as defense mechanism. (leopard geckos and fat tailed geckos)