References

Aspinall V, Cappello M, 2nd edn.. London: Butterworth Heinemann; 2009

Barrows M, McArthur S, Wilkinson R In: Mcarthur S, Wilkinson R, Meyer J (eds.). Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd; 2004

Heard D, Harr K, Wellehan J, 2nd edn.. In: Girling SJ, Raiti P (eds.). Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2004

Jenkins JR In: Mader DR (ed.). Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 1996

Maclean B, Raiti P, 2nd edn.. In: Girling SJ, Raiti P (eds.). Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2004

Raftery A, 2nd edn.. In: Girling SJ, Raiti P (eds.). Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2004

Rendle M, Cracknell J In: Varga M, Lumbis R, Gott L (eds.). Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2012

Wilkinson R In: Mcarthur S, Wilkinson R, Meyer J (eds.). Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd; 2004

How to obtain a blood sample in reptiles via venepuncture

02 November 2014

Practical

8 mins read

02 November 2014

Volume 5 · Issue 9

ISSN (print): 2044-0065

ISSN (online): 2052-2959

Abstract

The use of venepuncture in reptiles is an important diagnostic step in determining illness and disease. There are several venepuncture sites that vary between species and knowledge of these will ensure a diagnostic sample. Knowing how to correctly handle the reptile will prevent any unnecessary injury to the handler or the animal. The correct gauge needle and smallest syringe need to be used so as not to damage the red blood cells, and the site needs to be cleaned appropriately. This article will look at the venepuncture sites and techniques used in the Chelonian and Squamata species.

There are approximately 9000 known species of reptile (Rendle and Crack-nell, 2012). These are subdivided into four categories:

Chelonia: turtles, tortoises and terrapins

Squamata:

◦ Sauria — lizards

◦ Serpentes — snakes

Crocodilia: alligators and crocodiles

Rhynchocephalia: tuatara.

Reptiles can be difficult to clinically assess and a blood sample can be an important diagnostic step. A blood profile may include:

Renal parameters: high levels of uric acid may indicate renal disease

Glucose levels: may indicate hypoglycaemia in a malnourished animal. Hyperglycaemia in bearded dragons can be indicative of neoplasia

Calcium and phosphorous levels: can indicate if a female is gravid or if the animal is suffering from nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP)

Haematology: high or low white-cell count can indicate a bacterial or viral disease

Hydration levels: high urea may indicate dehydration (e.g. in tortoises)

Total protein levels: indicate liver function and nutritional stasis.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.

Register

Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address