Blood Collection in Snakes

Proper patient handling, blood collection technique and sample handling are all critical for accurate interpretation of hematology and biochemistry in all patients, including snakes. Use the video or text with still images to review equipment needed as well as the potential complications and proper approach to the ventral coccygeal vein and the heart, the two most common venipuncture sites in the snake . . .


To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)

Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com

Para continuar, debe ser miembro de LafeberVet.com

Already a LafeberVet Member?

Please Login

References


1. Brown C. Cardiac blood sample collection from snakes. Lab Anim 2010;39(7):208-209. doi: 10.1038/laban0710-208. PMID: 20567229.

2. Campbell TW. Blood sample collection and preparation in reptiles. In: Exotic Animal Hematology and Cytology, 4th ed. Ames, IA:John Wiley & Sons. 2015:282-291.

3. Comolli J, McHale B, Kehoe S, Mayer J. Cardiac tamponade following cardiocentesis in a ball python (Python regius). J Herp Med Surg. 2022; doi: 10.5818/JHMS-D-21-00019.

4. de la Navarre BJS. Current diagnostic techniques and therapeutic techniques in reptiles and amphibians. Proc International Conference on Avian Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine 2015:73-77.

5. Divers SJ. Diagnostic techniques and sample collection. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds). Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2019:1085-1087.

6. Funk RS, Bogan JE. Snake taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds). Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2019:181,191-192.

7. Heatley JJ, Russell KE. Hematolgy. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds). Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2019:  857-865.

8. Isaza R, Andrews G, Coke R, Hunter R. Assessment of multiple cardiocentesis in ball pythons (Python regius). Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci. 2004;43(6):35-38.

9. Mader DR. Clinical pathology in reptiles: What do these results mean? Proc International Conference on Avian Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine 2015: 59-60.

10. Mitchell MA. Reptile biochemistries. Proc International Conference on Avian Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine 2013:22-23.

11. Mitchell MA. Managing the reptile patient in the veterinary hospital:  Establishing a standard of care model for nontraditional species. J Exotic Pet Med. 2010;19(1):56-72. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2010.01.015.

12. Pendl H. Avian and reptilian haematology. Proc International Conference on Avian Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine 2015: 177-178.

13. Proença LM. Blood sampling and intravenous access in exotic species. Proc International Conference on Avian Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine 2015:122-126.

14. Saggese MD. Clinical approach to the anemic reptile. J Exotic Pet Med 2009;18(2):98-111. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2009.04.003.

15. Selleri P, Di Girolamo N. Cardiac tamponade following cardiocentesis in a cardiopathic boa constrictor imperator (Boa constrictor imperator). J Small Anim Pract 2012;53(8):487. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2012.01232.x. Epub 2012 Jul 11. PMID: 22784300.

Further reading 

Bonnet X, Billy G, Lakušić M. Puncture versus capture: which stresses animals the most? J Comp Physiol B. 2020;190(3):341-347. doi: 10.1007/s00360-020-01269-2. Epub 2020 Feb 25. PMID: 32100057.

de la Navarre BJS. Common procedures in reptiles and amphibians. Vet Clin Exot Anim Pract. 2006;9:248.

Sykes JM 4th, Klaphake E. Reptile hematology. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2015;18(1):63-82. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2014.09.011. PMID: 25421027.

To cite this page:

Pollock C. Blood collection in snakes. LafeberVet website. April 26, 2022. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/blood-collection-in-snakes/