Contributor: Anneliese Strunk, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Anneliese Strunk, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Anneliese Strunk is the Residency Director and a senior associate at The Center for Bird & Exotic Animal Medicine in Bothell, Washington. Dr. Strunk obtained her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in 1995, graduating Magna Cum Laude from TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Anneliese spent her first year out of school as an associate at the Research Boulevard Pet and Bird Hospital in Austin, Texas, seeing small animal and exotic cases. Dr. Strunk then completed an internship in exotic animal, wildlife and zoo medicine at the. University of Georgia in 2002, followed by a 3-year residency in companion avian and exotic pet medicine at the University of California at Davis. After completing her residency, Dr. Strunk moved across the country to…

Article  Video 

Blood Collection in Turtles and Tortoises

Successful venipuncture can be a challenge in turtles and tortoises, however hematology and biochemistry results serve as an important part of the minimum database in chelonians just as they do for all veterinary patients. Use this video, or text with still images, to review the equipment needed and sample handling recommendations as well as the potential complications and proper approach to the jugular vein, brachial vein, subcarapacial vessel, and dorsal coccygeal sinus in the chelonian.

Article  Video 

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.

Slideshow  Video 

General Principles of Reptile Venipuncture

Hematology and biochemistry results serve as an important part of the minimum database for all veterinary patients. Although 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. This brief video or slideshow with still images reviews the basic principles of reptile venipuncture that should be considered before, during, and after the procedure.