Line 6:
Line 6:
*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.
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*While maintaining slight negative pressure the needle is advanced until blood is observed or contact is made with the ventral surface of a vertebra.
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*While maintaining slight negative pressure, advance the needle until blood is observed or contact is made with the ventral surface of a vertebra.
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*If not successful withdraw slightly or redirect the needle so that it is definitely in the midline.
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*If not successful, withdraw slightly or redirect the needle so that it is definitely in the midline.
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==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.