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 . . .
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References
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Further reading
de la Navarre BJS. Current diagnostic techniques and therapeutic techniques in reptiles and amphibians. Proc International Conference on Avian, Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine 2015:73-74
de la Navarre BJ. Common procedures in reptiles and amphibians. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2006;9(2):237-267, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2006.04.002. PMID: 16759946.
Heatley JJ. Box turtle (Terrapene spp.) hematology. J Exotic Pet Med 2010;19(2):160-164. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2010.06.002.
Glassman AR, Gamblin KM, Zachariah TT. Comparison of biochemistry values from plasma and lymph in Krefft’s river turtles (Emydura macquarii krefftii). J Herp Med Surg 2022;32(1):63-72. doi: 10.5818/JHMS-D-20-00017.
Lloyd M, Morris PJ. Phlebotomy techniques in crocodilians. Bulletin of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. 1999;9(3):12–14. doi: 10.5818/1076-3139.9.3.12.
Mader DR. Clinical pathology in reptiles: What do these results mean? Proc International Conference on Avian, Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine. 2015:59-60.
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.