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*With the mouth opened the palatine veins can be visualised.
 
*With the mouth opened the palatine veins can be visualised.
 
*Care is necessary in restraint and haemorrhage must be considered. This can be controlled by applying pressure with a cotton-tipped applicator that has been adrenalinised.
 
*Care is necessary in restraint and haemorrhage must be considered. This can be controlled by applying pressure with a cotton-tipped applicator that has been adrenalinised.
==Cardiocentesis==Cardiocentesis is an atraumatic procedure under sedation that gives sufficient amounts of blood for analysis.
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==Cardiocentesis==
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Cardiocentesis is an atraumatic procedure under sedation that gives sufficient amounts of blood for analysis.
 
*The snake is restrained in dorsal recumbency and the apex beat of the heart is located by observation or Doppler.  
 
*The snake is restrained in dorsal recumbency and the apex beat of the heart is located by observation or Doppler.  
 
*Needle size - 0.5-0.6 mm (25-23g) x 16-25 mm (5/8-1') usually.
 
*Needle size - 0.5-0.6 mm (25-23g) x 16-25 mm (5/8-1') usually.
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*Blood enters with each heartbeat.
 
*Blood enters with each heartbeat.
 
*Pericardial fluid has been obtained if only clear fluid is withdrawn.
 
*Pericardial fluid has been obtained if only clear fluid is withdrawn.
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==Amount==
 
==Amount==
 
In reptiles the total blood volume varies with species but is approximately 5-8% bodyweight. The maximum that can be drawn safely is 10% of the total blood volume.  A healthy 100g reptile can therefore have 0.5ml safely taken. Weigh accurately and make the calculations before blood is withdrawn! Though microtechniques for biochemistry are available in some laboratories, it is generally advisable to take 1.5ml of blood for complete haematology and biochemistry. Check with your laboratory about handling if you are submitting less than this amount.
 
In reptiles the total blood volume varies with species but is approximately 5-8% bodyweight. The maximum that can be drawn safely is 10% of the total blood volume.  A healthy 100g reptile can therefore have 0.5ml safely taken. Weigh accurately and make the calculations before blood is withdrawn! Though microtechniques for biochemistry are available in some laboratories, it is generally advisable to take 1.5ml of blood for complete haematology and biochemistry. Check with your laboratory about handling if you are submitting less than this amount.
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