Changes

*Needle size - 0.5-0.8 mm (25-21g) x 16-25 mm (5/8-1') usually.

*Needle size - 0.5-0.8 mm (25-21g) x 16-25 mm (5/8-1') usually.

*The needle is directed at 45-60 degrees craniodorsally between caudal scales in the ventral tail midline. Avoid the hemipenes of males.

*The needle is directed at 45-60 degrees craniodorsally between caudal scales in the ventral tail midline. Avoid the hemipenes of males.

*While maintaining slight negative pressure the needle is advanced until blood is observed or contact is made with the ventral surface of a vertebra.

*While maintaining slight negative pressure, advance the needle until blood is observed or contact is made with the ventral surface of a vertebra.

*If not successful withdraw slightly or redirect the needle so that it is definitely in the midline.

*If not successful, withdraw slightly or redirect the needle so that it is definitely in the midline.

 

==Palatine vein==

==Palatine vein==

The dorsal palatine vein courses longitudinally along the ventromedial surface of the palate and small amounts of blood are obtainable in well-restrained unsedated snakes.

The dorsal palatine vein courses longitudinally along the ventromedial surface of the palate and small amounts of blood are obtainable in well-restrained unsedated snakes.