Blood Collection in Rabbits

Date: August 21, 2011, updated with video and still images April 6, 2013

By: Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Second Author: Jody Nugent-Deal, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia)

Reviewed by: M. Scott Echols, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), Susan Orosz, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM, and Natalie Antinoff, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Keywords: , , ,

Categories: Mammals,  Rabbit,  Resources & Education 

The rabbit has a relatively short prothrombin time and whole blood quickly clots at room temperature. To minimize the risk of clot formation, it can be helpful to pre-heparinize the needle and syringe by drawing heparin into the needle and expelling the excess from the hub. The total volume of blood that can be safely collected typically ranges from 0.5% to 1.0% body weight. Collect smaller volumes from geriatric patients or those suspected to have anemia or hypoproteinemia.

Use this video clip or article with still images to review equipment needed, and potential venipuncture sites including the . . .

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References

Dyer SM, Cervasio EL. An overview of restraint and blood collection techniques in exotic pet practice. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim 11(3):423–443, 2008.

Graham J, Mader DR. Basic approach to veterinary care. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW (eds). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Pp. 176-177.

Joslin JO. Blood collection techniques in exotic small mammals. J Exotic Pet Med 18(2):117-139, 2009.

Murray MJ. Rabbit and ferret sampling and artifact considerations. In: Fudge AM editors. Laboratory Medicine Avian and Exotic Pets. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2000: 265–268.

Vennen KM, Mitchell MA. In: Mitchell MA, Tully TN (eds). Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. St. Louis: Saunders; 2009.
P. 381.

To cite this page:

Echols MS, Pollock C. Blood collection in rabbits. LafeberVet Web site. April 6, 2013.  https://lafeber.com/vet/blood-collection-in-rabbits/