![]() ![]() Ten percent of estimated blood volume, or up to 4-8 ml/kg or 0.4-0.8 ml per 100 grams BW, can be safely collected from a healthy reptile. When compared to a mammal of similar size, the reptile has lower total blood volume approximating 4-8% of body weight (BW) in kilograms. For brachial plexus venipuncture in chelonians, the forelimb can be gently held, squeezing the limb to improve circulation. A gauze pad soaked in warm water can also be applied over the venipuncture site to promote vasodilation prior to venipuncture. Keeping the reptile warm will help to maintain peripheral perfusion. ![]() Many reptiles are hypothermic by the time they arrive at the hospital. Body temperature & peripheral perfusion.Always replace the needle used to pre-heparinize the syringe with a new, sharp needle to perform venipuncture. Remove the needle from the bottle and then forcibly expel all visible heparin. If you do elect to pre-heparinize the syringe, draw heparin into the syringe with a needle and push the heparin back into the bottle. 13, 27, 28 Heparin can also create color artifact and abnormal white cell morphology on peripheral blood smears. 4, 9– 11 Sample dilution can increase sodium or potassium, and artificially lower ionized calcium levels. To pre-heparinize or not pre-heparinize the syringe?Ĭollection of a viable sample can be challenging in small reptile patients and the practice of pre-heparinizing the syringe has been commonly practiced in zoological medicine, however this technique is often unnecessary and can confound laboratory results by diluting the blood sample.BD Vacutainer Systems Beckton, Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, NJ USA The tubes contain a dry form of anticoagulant that prevents dilution artifact. Shown above: Microtainers allow fast and easy mixing of small blood volumes (0.25-0.50 ml). 9, 25Īlways check first with your laboratory before collecting blood. Nevertheless, lithium heparin is the anticoagulant of choice for plasma biochemistry analysis, and some clinical practices only use lithium heparin for all reptile blood samples to minimize confusion. 12,19,24 However, research has also identified reptile species in which EDTA works or is even superior to heparin 2, 7, 15, 16, and some reptile veterinarians recommend EDTA for most snakes and lizards. Sodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can potentially cause hemolysis in reptiles, particularly some chelonian species. A small synthetic brush, such as a toothbrush, nail brush or scrub brush, may even be required to adequately clean a heavily scaled species. Scrub the venipuncture site thoroughly before sampling. This smaller syringe paired with a relatively large bore needle will encourage blood flow while maintaining gentle negative pressure that will not damage the large, delicate reptile erythrocyte. The low blood pressure and slow heart rate of the reptile supports the selection of a smaller syringe than one would typically choose for a bird or mammal of similar size. Therefore always select the largest needle size appropriate for your individual patient. Reptile erythrocytes are relatively large and fragile, and the use of very small needles can lead to hemolysis. Photo credit: John Alan Elson via Wikimedia Commons Vertebrate red blood cell types with measurements Select the largest needle size appropriate for your patient.Butterfly catheters (optional) can be used to collect samples from areas prone to movement, such as the tail or neck, or in fractious animals.Disposable gloves are advisable due to the risk of zoonoses.Standard size needles generally suffice, however larger reptiles may require longer (38-50 mm or 1.5-2 in) needles.1 or 3-ml syringe, or an insulin syringe with a needle that can be removed with hemostats. ![]() To collect the blood sample you will need: 4, 9, 25 To pre-heparinize or not pre-heparinize?.Gather all equipment that will be needed.This slideshow reviews the basic principles of reptile venipuncture that should be considered before, during, and after the procedure. Collection of blood samples can be challengingĪlthough collection of blood samples can be a clinical challenge in reptiles, the method of patient handling, blood collection and sampling techniques are all critical for proper interpretation of laboratory results.Hematology and biochemistry results serve as an important part of the minimum database for all veterinary patients. View the video recording OR the slideshow with text and still images. Charly Pignon generously shared the video clips incorporated into this video recording. Sean Perry is the co-creator of this presentation and all images in this recording were provided by Dr. ![]()
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