Blood_NN1 Collection_NN1 Techniques_NN2 in_II Exotic_JJ Small_JJ Mammals_NN2 The_AT size_NN1 of_IO many_DA2 small_JJ exotic_JJ pocket_NN1 pets_NN2 seenin_NN1 private_JJ veterinary_JJ practices_NN2 can_VM make_VVI diag-nostic_JJ blood_NN1 sample_NN1 collection_NN1 problematic_JJ ._. 
It_PPH1 is_VBZ often_RR difficult_JJ to_TO access_VVI veins_NN2 or_CC arteries_NN2 of_IO adequate_JJ size_NN1 to_TO collect_VVI sufficient_JJ blood_NN1 for_IF diagnostic_JJ testing_NN1 ._. 
However_RR ,_, with_IW the_AT advent_NN1 of_IO in-house_JJ analyzers_NN2 that_CST can_VM measure_VVI hematologic_JJ and_CC blood_NN1 chemistry_NN1 parameters_NN2 from_II small_JJ volumes_NN2 of_IO whole_JJ blood_NN1 (_( 50-100L_NNU ;_; 0.05-0.1_MCMC mL_NNU )_) ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ now_RT possible_JJ to_TO pursue_VVI diagnostic_JJ blood_NN1 work_NN1 on_II many_DA2 of_IO these_DD2 exotic_JJ small_JJ mammals_NN2 ._. 
The_AT majority_NN1 of_IO the_AT small_JJ exotic_JJ mammals_NN2 that_CST present_NN1 to_II veterinary_JJ clinics_NN2 are_VBR prey_NN1 species_NN by_II nature_NN1 ,_, with_IW the_AT ferret_NN1 (_( Mustela_NP1 putorius_NN1 furo_NN1 )_) being_VBG an_AT1 exception_NN1 ._. 
Therefore_RR ,_, these_DD2 animals_NN2 are_VBR easily_RR stressed_VVN when_CS handled_VVN ,_, anesthetized_VVD ,_, or_CC transported_VVD ._. 
Furthermore_RR ,_, while_CS at_II the_AT veterinary_JJ clinic_NN1 ,_, these_DD2 animals_NN2 are_VBR often_RR exposed_VVN to_II bright_JJ lights_NN2 and_CC loud_JJ noises_NN2 and_CC can_VM hear_VVI ,_, smell_VVI ,_, and_CC see_VVI predators_NN2 such_II21 as_II22 dogs_NN2 and_CC cats_NN2 which_DDQ are_VBR disturbing_VVG to_II these_DD2 often_RR nocturnal_JJ and_CC crepuscular_JJ species_NN ._. 
If_CS one_PN1 can_VM minimize_VVI or_CC eliminate_VVI the_AT effect_NN1 that_CST outside_JJ stressors_NN2 have_VH0 on_II these_DD2 animals_NN2 ,_, they_PPHS2 can_VM reduce_VVI these_DD2 effects_NN2 on_II stress-sensitive_JJ blood_NN1 parameters_NN2 ._. 
Understanding_VVG the_AT animal_NN1 's_GE natural_JJ behavior_NN1 and_CC making_VVG appropriate_JJ accommodations_NN2 is_VBZ also_RR helpful_JJ when_CS collecting_VVG blood_NN1 samples_NN2 from_II exotic_JJ small_JJ mammals_NN2 ._. 
For_IF species_NN such_II21 as_II22 sugar_NN1 gliders_NN2 (_( Petaurus_NP1 breviceps_VVZ )_) ,_, which_DDQ are_VBR mainly_RR nocturnal_JJ ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ preferable_JJ to_TO schedule_VVI the_AT examinations_NN2 early_RR in_II the_AT morning_NNT1 when_RRQ they_PPHS2 are_VBR less_RGR active_JJ and_CC when_CS the_AT clinic_NN1 is_VBZ quiet_JJ ._. 
However_RR ,_, if_CS you_PPY want_VV0 to_TO observe_VVI the_AT same_DA animal_NN1 's_GE activity_NN1 levels_NN2 ,_, the_AT appointment_NN1 should_VM be_VBI scheduled_VVN in_II the_AT early_JJ evening_NNT1 when_RRQ they_PPHS2 are_VBR more_RGR active_JJ ._. 
On_II arrival_NN1 at_II the_AT clinic_NN1 ,_, these_DD2 animals_NN2 should_VM be_VBI brought_VVN directly_RR into_II a_AT1 warm_JJ (_( 70-72&deg;F_FO ,_, 21-22&deg;C_FO )_) examination_NN1 room_NN1 with_IW subdued_JJ lighting_NN1 ,_, away_II21 from_II22 other_JJ disturbing_JJ sights_NN2 ,_, sounds_NN2 ,_, and_CC smells_VVZ that_CST are_VBR associated_VVN with_IW veterinary_JJ hospitals_NN2 ._. 
For_IF those_DD2 small_JJ exotic_JJ mammals_NN2 that_CST are_VBR used_JJ to_II being_VBG handled_VVN ,_, blood_NN1 collection_NN1 can_VM be_VBI done_VDN quickly_RR with_IW minimal_JJ restraint_NN1 ._. 
Ideally_RR ,_, the_AT owner_NN1 should_VM transport_VVI the_AT animal_NN1 to_II the_AT clinic_NN1 in_II its_APPGE own_DA cage_NN1 ,_, covered_VVN with_IW a_AT1 towel_NN1 so_CS21 that_CS22 it_PPH1 is_VBZ in_II a_AT1 darkened_JJ enclosure_NN1 ._. 
The_AT animal_NN1 should_VM be_VBI removed_VVN from_II its_APPGE cage_NN1 for_IF venipuncture_NN1 and_CC then_RT returned_VVN to_II its_APPGE cage_NN1 rather_II21 than_II22 being_VBG put_VVN into_II an_AT1 unfamiliar_JJ enclosure_NN1 ._. 
For_IF animals_NN2 that_CST are_VBR not_XX easily_RR restrained_VVN ,_, anesthesia_NN1 is_VBZ recommended_VVN to_TO facilitate_VVI sample_NN1 collection_NN1 ._. 
Traditionally_RR ,_, small_JJ exotic_JJ ,_, pocket_NN1 pets_NN2 have_VH0 been_VBN bled_VVN using_VVG manual_JJ restraint_NN1 but_CCB the_AT author_NN1 believes_VVZ that_CST in_II the_AT majority_NN1 of_IO the_AT cases_NN2 anesthesia_NN1 is_VBZ indicated_VVN in_II these_DD2 animals_NN2 ._. 
The_AT author_NN1 prefers_VVZ to_TO anesthetize_VVI the_AT animal_NN1 in_II its_APPGE cage_NN1 before_II handling_VVG and_CC then_RT return_VV0 it_PPH1 directly_RR to_II its_APPGE cage_NN1 to_TO recover_VVI ._. 
Conditioning_VVG an_AT1 animal_NN1 before_II sample_NN1 collection_NN1 can_VM reduce_VVI the_AT potential_JJ effects_NN2 of_IO stress_NN1 on_II the_AT results_NN2 ._. 
A_AT1 study_NN1 by_II Fluttert_NP1 and_CC coworkers1demonstrated_FO that_CST rats_NN2 handled_VVN for_IF 2_MC minutes_NNT2 for_IF 4_MC to_II 5_MC days_NNT2 before_II blood_NN1 collection_NN1 produced_VVD levels_NN2 of_IO plasma_NN1 corticosterone_NN1 8_MC to_II 10_MC times_NNT2 lower_RRR than_CSN those_DD2 in_II rats_NN2 not_XX preconditioned_VVN ._. 
Furthermore_RR ,_, corticosterone_VV0 levels_NN2 in_II the_AT nonpreconditioned_JJ rats_NN2 did_VDD not_XX return_VVI to_II normal_JJ until_CS 120_MC minutes_NNT2 later_RRR ._. 
The_AT preconditioning_NN1 of_IO the_AT rats_NN2 consisted_VVN of_IO placing_VVG the_AT rat_NN1 in_II a_AT1 towel_NN1 ,_, loosely_RR folded_VVN around_II the_AT animal_NN1 ,_, for_IF 2_MC minutes_NNT2 ,_, thereby_RR allowing_VVG the_AT subject_JJ to_TO explore_VVI the_AT "_" tunnel_NN1 ._. "_" 
The_AT rat_NN1 's_GE tail_NN1 was_VBDZ stroked_VVN and_CC gently_RR squeezed_VVN to_TO simulate_VVI the_AT blood_NN1 collection_NN1 ._. 
After_CS the_AT preconditioning_JJ period_NN1 ,_, the_AT blood_NN1 sample_NN1 was_VBDZ collected_VVN ._. 
This_DD1 type_NN1 of_IO preconditioning_NN1 can_VM easily_RR be_VBI done_VDN by_II the_AT pet_NN1 's_GE owner_NN1 before_CS it_PPH1 is_VBZ brought_VVN to_II the_AT clinic_NN1 ._. 
The_AT towel_NN1 used_VMK to_TO handle_VVI the_AT animal_NN1 during_II preconditioning_NN1 can_VM be_VBI used_VVN for_IF the_AT blood_NN1 collection_NN1 ,_, because_CS it_PPH1 will_VM have_VHI the_AT animal_NN1 's_GE scent_NN1 on_II it_PPH1 and_CC should_VM minimize_VVI the_AT stress_NN1 level_NN1 of_IO the_AT patient_NN1 ._. 
If_CS a_AT1 syringe_NN1 case_NN1 with_IW holes_NN2 in_II the_AT end_NN1 is_VBZ used_VVN for_IF restraint_NN1 ,_, the_AT owner_NN1 should_VM be_VBI instructed_VVN to_TO precondition_VVI the_AT rat_NN1 for_IF the_AT procedure_NN1 by_II putting_VVG treats_NN2 in_II a_AT1 similar_JJ syringe_NN1 case_NN1 ._. 
There_EX is_VBZ evidence_NN1 that_CST the_AT stress_NN1 of_IO anesthetic_JJ induction_NN1 can_VM have_VHI an_AT1 effect_NN1 on_II blood_NN1 values_NN2 in_II laboratory_NN1 animals_NN2 ._. 
For_REX21 example_REX22 ,_, ferrets_NN2 anesthetized_VVD with_IW isoflurane_NN1 (_( Forane_NP1 ;_; Baxter_NP1 Health_NN1 Care_NN1 Corporation_NN1 ,_, Deerfield_NP1 ,_, IL_FW USA_NP1 )_) exhibit_VV0 a_AT1 rapid_JJ decrease_NN1 in_II their_APPGE hematocrit_NN1 ,_, hemoglobin_NN1 ,_, and_CC red_JJ blood_NN1 cell_NN1 count_NN1 ,_, and_CC these_DD2 hematologic_JJ values_NN2 do_VD0 not_XX return_VVI to_II preanesthetic_JJ levels_NN2 until_II 45_MC minutes_NNT2 after_II the_AT initiation_NN1 of_IO the_AT procedure_NN1 ._. 
The_AT clinician_NN1 must_VM therefore_RR consider_VVI the_AT effect_NN1 that_CST anesthesia_NN1 has_VHZ on_II laboratory_NN1 data_NN and_CC the_AT risk_NN1 of_IO the_AT anesthesia_NN1 on_II an_AT1 ill_JJ ferret_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 is_VBZ ultimately_RR the_AT veterinarian_NN1 's_GE responsibility_NN1 to_TO determine_VVI the_AT benefits_NN2 and_CC risks_NN2 of_IO using_VVG anesthesia_NN1 for_IF these_DD2 animals_NN2 when_CS collecting_VVG blood_NN1 for_IF diagnostic_JJ testing_NN1 ._. 
Many_DA2 of_IO the_AT blood_NN1 collection_NN1 sites_NN2 and_CC sampling_VVG techniques_NN2 used_VVN for_IF small_JJ exotic_JJ mammals_NN2 are_VBR similar_JJ to_II those_DD2 described_VVN for_IF cats_NN2 and_CC dogs_NN2 ._. 
However_RR ,_, for_IF some_DD of_IO the_AT blood_NN1 collection_NN1 sites_NN2 ,_, such_II21 as_II22 the_AT cranial_JJ vena_NN1 cava_NN1 ,_, an_AT1 inexperienced_JJ handler_NN1 and_CC phlebotomist_NN1 would_VM benefit_VVI from_II anesthetizing_VVG the_AT patient_NN1 until_CS the_AT necessary_JJ skills_NN2 are_VBR acquired_VVN to_TO perform_VVI the_AT procedure_NN1 on_II an_AT1 alert_JJ animal_NN1 ._. 
Doing_VDG so_RR reduces_VVZ the_AT stress_NN1 on_II the_AT animal_NN1 ,_, the_AT owner_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT veterinary_JJ personnel_NN2 performing_VVG the_AT procedure_NN1 ._. 
There_EX are_VBR a_AT1 number_NN1 of_IO other_JJ physiologic_JJ and_CC environmental_JJ factors_NN2 that_CST can_VM affect_VVI hematologic_JJ test_NN1 results_NN2 ,_, including_II gender_NN1 ,_, age_NN1 ,_, strain_VV0 ,_, circadian_JJ rhythms_NN2 ,_, stage_NN1 of_IO reproductive_JJ cycle_NN1 ,_, pregnancy_NN1 ,_, diet_NN1 ,_, and_CC season_NNT1 (_( e.g._REX ,_, animals_NN2 that_CST hibernate_VV0 such_II21 as_II22 a_AT1 hamster_NN1 )_) ._. 
Laboratory_NN1 processing_NN1 (_( e.g._REX ,_, type_NN1 of_IO anticoagulant_JJ used_JJ )_) and_CC venipuncture_VV0 site_NN1 can_VM also_RR affect_VVI the_AT blood_NN1 test_NN1 results_NN2 ._. 
It_PPH1 is_VBZ important_JJ for_IF clinicians_NN2 to_TO consider_VVI the_AT potential_JJ effects_NN2 of_IO these_DD2 factors_NN2 when_CS interpreting_VVG test_NN1 results_NN2 ._. 
Ideally_RR ,_, if_CS one_PN1 's_GE practice_NN1 has_VHZ a_AT1 large_JJ enough_RR small_JJ exotic_JJ mammal_NN1 caseload_NN1 ,_, then_RT in-house_JJ reference_NN1 ranges_NN2 can_VM be_VBI developed_VVN ,_, but_CCB this_DD1 requires_VVZ one_PN1 to_TO follow_VVI a_AT1 consistent_JJ methodology_NN1 when_CS collecting_VVG blood_NN1 samples_NN2 including_II the_AT use_NN1 of_IO anesthesia_NN1 ,_, type_NN1 of_IO anesthetic_JJ agent_NN1 ,_, and_CC form_NN1 of_IO anticoagulant_NN1 ._. 
There_EX are_VBR numerous_JJ associated_JJ health_NN1 risks_NN2 when_RRQ blood_NN1 is_VBZ collected_VVN from_II the_AT orbital_JJ sinus_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 mouse_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ increase_VV0 if_CSW the_AT animal_NN1 is_VBZ not_XX anesthetized_VVN ._. 
The_AT health_NN1 risks_NN2 include_VV0 orbital_JJ bleeding_JJ with_IW increased_JJ pressure_NN1 on_II the_AT back_NN1 of_IO the_AT eye_NN1 and_CC associated_JJ pain_NN1 ,_, infection_NN1 ,_, blindness_NN1 ,_, corneal_JJ ulceration_NN1 ,_, punctured_VVN or_CC ruptured_JJ globe_NN1 ,_, keratitis_NN1 ,_, pannus_NN1 formation_NN1 ,_, microphthalmia_NN1 ,_, proptosis_NN1 of_IO the_AT globe_NN1 ,_, panophthalmitis_NN1 ,_, and_CC fractures_NN2 of_IO the_AT orbital_JJ bones_NN2 ._. 
When_CS this_DD1 venipuncture_NN1 method_NN1 is_VBZ performed_VVN by_II highly_RR skilled_JJ technicians_NN2 in_II a_AT1 research_NN1 setting_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 can_VM be_VBI done_VDN with_IW few_DA2 complications_NN2 and_CC minimal_JJ stress_NN1 to_II the_AT animal_NN1 ;_; however_RR ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ rare_JJ nowadays_RT for_IF research_NN1 facilities_NN2 to_TO use_VVI the_AT orbital_JJ sinus_NN1 to_TO collect_VVI blood_NN1 from_II mice_NN2 ._. 
Anesthesia_NN1 is_VBZ recommended_VVN when_CS collecting_VVG blood_NN1 from_II the_AT orbital_JJ sinus_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 drop_NN1 of_IO topical_JJ ophthalmic_JJ anesthetic_JJ solution_NN1 should_VM be_VBI applied_VVN to_II the_AT surface_NN1 of_IO the_AT eye_NN1 and_CC any_DD excess_NN1 removed_VVN after_II 5_MC to_II 10_MC seconds_NNT2 with_IW dry_JJ gauze_NN1 or_CC a_AT1 cotton_NN1 swab_NN1 ._. 
The_AT animal_NN1 should_VM be_VBI placed_VVN in_II lateral_JJ recumbency_NN1 on_II a_AT1 table_NN1 or_CC held_VVN in_II the_AT palm_NN1 of_IO the_AT nondominant_JJ hand_NN1 so_CS21 that_CS22 its_APPGE head_NN1 is_VBZ pointing_VVG downward_RL ._. 
The_AT index_NN1 finger_NN1 should_VM be_VBI placed_VVN above_II the_AT eye_NN1 and_CC the_AT thumb_NN1 below_II the_AT eye_NN1 to_TO pull_VVI the_AT skin_NN1 away_II21 from_II22 around_II the_AT globe_NN1 ._. 
This_DD1 activity_NN1 will_VM cause_VVI the_AT globe_NN1 to_TO protrude_VVI ._. 
While_CS restraining_VVG a_AT1 mouse_NN1 for_IF this_DD1 procedure_NN1 ,_, special_JJ care_NN1 must_VM be_VBI taken_VVN not_XX to_TO occlude_VVI the_AT trachea_NN1 ._. 
Using_VVG a_AT1 microhematocrit_NN1 tube_NN1 or_CC a_AT1 fine-walled_NN1 (_( 1-2_MCMC mm_NNU outside_II diameter_NN1 )_) borosilicate_VV0 glass_NN1 Pasteur_NN1 pipette_NN1 ,_, insert_VV0 the_AT tip_NN1 in_II the_AT corner_NN1 of_IO the_AT eye_NN1 socket_NN1 at_II the_AT medial_JJ or_CC lateral_JJ canthus_NN1 ._. 
The_AT tip_NN1 should_VM be_VBI directed_VVN toward_II the_AT middle_NN1 of_IO the_AT eye_NN1 socket_NN1 by_II directing_VVG the_AT tip_NN1 at_II a_AT1 30&deg;_NNU to_II 45&deg;_NNU angle_NN1 to_II the_AT side_NN1 of_IO the_AT head_NN1 ._. 
The_AT tube_NN1 should_VM be_VBI rotated_VVN while_CS applying_VVG gentle_JJ downward_JJ pressure_NN1 until_CS blood_NN1 is_VBZ seen_VVN in_II the_AT tube_NN1 ._. 
Once_RR blood_NN1 is_VBZ observed_VVN in_II the_AT tube_NN1 ,_, slightly_RR withdrawing_VVG it_PPH1 will_VM increase_VVI the_AT blood_NN1 flow_NN1 from_II the_AT sinus_NN1 ._. 
Once_CS the_AT blood_NN1 stops_VVZ flowing_JJ ,_, the_AT tube_NN1 is_VBZ removed_VVN and_CC the_AT eyelids_NN2 are_VBR pulled_VVN together_RL and_CC pressure_NN1 is_VBZ applied_VVN to_II the_AT globe_NN1 ._. 
The_AT skin_NN1 around_II the_AT eye_NN1 should_VM be_VBI wiped_VVN with_IW dry_JJ gauze_NN1 to_TO remove_VVI any_DD blood_NN1 ,_, being_VBG careful_JJ not_XX to_TO touch_VVI the_AT cornea_NN1 ._. 
No_AT ophthalmic_JJ ointment_NN1 should_VM be_VBI applied_VVN ,_, because_CS it_PPH1 may_VM cause_VVI the_AT animal_NN1 to_TO rub_VVI its_APPGE eye_NN1 ._. 
The_AT mouse_NN1 should_VM be_VBI monitored_VVN for_IF 30_MC minutes_NNT2 for_IF swelling_VVG and/or_CC bleeding_VVG from_II the_AT collection_NN1 site_NN1 ._. 
Up_RG21 to_RG22 0.2_MC to_II 0.3_MC mL_NNU of_IO blood_NN1 can_VM be_VBI safely_RR collected_VVN from_II this_DD1 site_NN1 ,_, but_CCB it_PPH1 is_VBZ important_JJ to_TO recognize_VVI that_CST the_AT sample_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 mixture_NN1 of_IO blood_NN1 and_CC tissue_NN1 fluid_NN1 ._. 
Before_CS use_NN1 ,_, the_AT microhematocrit_NN1 tube_NN1 should_VM be_VBI checked_VVN for_IF any_DD rough_JJ edges_NN2 that_CST could_VM increase_VVI tissue_NN1 injury_NN1 around_II the_AT globe_NN1 ._. 
When_CS using_VVG the_AT Pasteur_NN1 pipette_NN1 ,_, one_PN1 should_VM cover_VVI the_AT open_JJ end_NN1 of_IO the_AT pipette_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 finger_NN1 before_II removing_VVG it_PPH1 from_II behind_II the_AT eyeball_NN1 to_TO prevent_VVI blood_NN1 from_II dripping_VVG out_RP ._. 
If_CS blood_NN1 is_VBZ collected_VVN from_II the_AT orbital_JJ sinus_NN1 ,_, at_RR21 least_RR22 21_MC days_NNT2 are_VBR required_VVN between_II bleedings_NN2 from_II the_AT same_DA eye_NN1 ._. 
Blood_NN1 collection_NN1 should_VM be_VBI alternated_VVN between_II the_AT two_MC eyes_NN2 and_CC done_VDN no_AT more_DAR than_CSN twice_RR on_II each_DD1 eye_NN1 ._. 
Blood_NN1 collection_NN1 from_II the_AT orbital_JJ sinus_NN1 is_VBZ performed_VVN in_II a_AT1 similar_JJ manner_NN1 to_II that_DD1 described_VVN for_IF the_AT mouse_NN1 ._. 
The_AT transverse_JJ sinus_NN1 is_VBZ used_VVN in_II laboratory_NN1 investigations_NN2 but_CCB is_VBZ not_XX suitable_JJ for_IF companion_NN1 animals_NN2 ._. 
In_II the_AT chinchilla_NN1 ,_, the_AT transverse_JJ sinus_NN1 encircles_VVZ the_AT auditory_JJ bullae_NN2 ._. 
To_TO approach_VVI this_DD1 sinus_NN1 ,_, the_AT fur_NN1 should_VM be_VBI removed_VVN from_II the_AT dorsal_JJ aspect_NN1 of_IO the_AT head_NN1 near_II the_AT ear_NN1 and_CC the_AT area_NN1 aseptically_RR prepared_VVN ._. 
The_AT transverse_JJ sinus_NN1 in_II chinchillas_NN2 is_VBZ very_RG superficial_JJ ,_, and_CC one_PN1 can_VM use_VVI a_AT1 25-gauge_NN1 ,_, 3/8-inch_FU butterfly_NN1 catheter_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 1-mL_JJ syringe_NN1 to_TO collect_VVI the_AT blood_NN1 ._. 
The_AT needle_NN1 should_VM be_VBI inserted_VVN at_II a_AT1 slight_JJ angle_NN1 medial_JJ to_II the_AT edge_NN1 of_IO the_AT auditory_JJ bulla_NN1 approximately_RR 1_MC1 to_II 2_MC mm_NNU under_II the_AT skin_NN1 ._. 
If_CS blood_NN1 is_VBZ not_XX noted_VVN in_II the_AT hub_NN1 of_IO the_AT needle_NN1 once_RR negative_JJ pressure_NN1 is_VBZ applied_VVN ,_, then_RT the_AT needle_NN1 needs_VVZ to_TO be_VBI angled_VVN at_II a_AT1 slightly_RR steeper_JJR angle_NN1 ._. 
The_AT approach_NN1 to_II the_AT orbital_JJ sinus_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 sugar_NN1 glider_NN1 is_VBZ similar_JJ to_II that_DD1 described_VVN for_IF the_AT mouse_NN1 ._. 
The_AT approach_NN1 to_II these_DD2 procedures_NN2 in_II a_AT1 sugar_NN1 glider_NN1 is_VBZ similar_JJ to_II that_DD1 described_VVN for_IF the_AT rat_NN1 ._. 
The_AT saphenous_JJ ,_, cephalic_JJ ,_, and_CC cranial_JJ vena_NN1 cava_NN1 veins_NN2 are_VBR the_AT preferred_JJ sites_NN2 for_IF blood_NN1 collection_NN1 in_II a_AT1 degu_NN1 ._. 
Up_RG21 to_RG22 0.5_MC to_II 1_MC1 mL_NNU can_VM be_VBI collected_VVN from_II these_DD2 sites_NN2 ._. 
When_CS collecting_VVG blood_NN1 from_II these_DD2 sites_NN2 in_II degus_NN1 ,_, the_AT approach_NN1 is_VBZ similar_JJ as_CSA that_DD1 described_VVN for_IF guinea_NN1 pigs_NN2 ._. 
When_CS collecting_VVG blood_NN1 samples_NN2 from_II degus_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ required_VVN that_CST the_AT patient_NN1 be_VBI under_RG general_JJ anesthesia_NN1 ._. 
Summary_NN1 Collecting_VVG blood_NN1 samples_NN2 from_II exotic_JJ small_JJ mammals_NN2 can_VM be_VBI challenging_VVG ._. 
To_TO become_VVI proficient_JJ with_IW exotic_JJ small_JJ mammal_NN1 venipuncture_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ important_JJ to_TO develop_VVI an_AT1 understanding_NN1 of_IO the_AT anatomic_JJ locations_NN2 of_IO the_AT vessels_NN2 and_CC their_APPGE associated_JJ landmarks_NN2 ,_, and_CC practice_NN1 ,_, practice_NN1 ,_, practice_NN1 ._. 
The_AT veterinary_JJ clinician_NN1 should_VM always_RR be_VBI aware_JJ of_IO the_AT potential_JJ risks_NN2 associated_VVN with_IW blood_NN1 collection_NN1 from_II the_AT smallest_JJT of_IO these_DD2 pet_JJ species_NN ,_, especially_RR those_DD2 that_CST are_VBR presenting_VVG in_II advanced_JJ diseased_JJ states_NN2 ._. 
The_AT clinician_NN1 should_VM also_RR be_VBI aware_JJ of_IO the_AT many_DA2 factors_NN2 that_CST can_VM affect_VVI the_AT blood_NN1 results_NN2 in_II normal_JJ healthy_JJ animals_NN2 ._. 
As_CSA mentioned_VVN above_RL ,_, anesthesia_NN1 ,_, sex_NN1 ,_, age_NN1 ,_, reproductive_JJ cycle_NN1 ,_, circadian_JJ rhythm_NN1 ,_, restraint_NN1 ,_, stress_NN1 and_CC even_RR the_AT site_NN1 of_IO the_AT blood_NN1 sampling_NN1 can_VM affect_VVI the_AT laboratory_NN1 results_NN2 ._. 
Assessing_VVG the_AT validity_NN1 of_IO the_AT published_JJ normal_JJ values_NN2 can_VM be_VBI difficult_JJ because_CS often_RR when_CS the_AT data_NN is_VBZ presented_VVN in_II books_NN2 or_CC review_NN1 articles_NN2 ,_, the_AT parameters_NN2 listed_VVN above_RL are_VBR not_XX mentioned_VVN ._. 
Ideally_RR a_AT1 set_NN1 of_IO in-house_JJ normal_JJ blood_NN1 work_NN1 should_VM be_VBI developed_VVN where_CS the_AT variables_NN2 can_VM be_VBI better_RRR controlled_VVN ._. 
The_AT author_NN1 recommends_VVZ that_CST clinicians_NN2 use_VV0 anesthesia_NN1 to_TO minimize_VVI the_AT stress_NN1 of_IO handling_NN1 of_IO the_AT small_JJ prey_NN1 species_NN that_CST are_VBR highly_RR adaptive_JJ to_TO have_VHI a_AT1 rapid_JJ increase_NN1 in_II plasma_NN1 corticosterone_NN1 levels_NN2 when_CS exposed_VVN to_II a_AT1 stressor_NN1 such_II21 as_II22 transport_NN1 to_II your_APPGE clinic_NN1 ._. 
An_AT1 ambulatory_JJ type_NN1 practice_NN1 may_VM be_VBI an_AT1 ideal_JJ way_NN1 to_TO work_VVI with_IW these_DD2 pocket_NN1 pets_NN2 thereby_RR ,_, minimizing_VVG the_AT transport_NN1 and_CC handling_VVG stress_NN1 ._. 
In_RR21 addition_RR22 ,_, anesthesia_NN1 may_VM be_VBI indicated_VVN for_IF the_AT animal_NN1 's_GE level_NN1 of_IO pain_NN1 ,_, but_CCB this_DD1 is_VBZ difficult_JJ to_TO assess_VVI due_II21 to_II22 the_AT subtleties_NN2 of_IO each_DD1 of_IO the_AT different_JJ species_NN '_GE signs_NN2 of_IO pain_NN1 and_CC distress_NN1 ._. 
Anything_PN1 that_CST can_VM be_VBI done_VDN to_TO minimize_VVI these_DD2 effects_NN2 should_VM be_VBI done_VDN ._. 
Therefore_RR ,_, the_AT clinician_NN1 will_VM have_VHI to_TO carefully_RR consider_VVI the_AT benefits_NN2 of_IO getting_VVG the_AT blood_NN1 sample_NN1 versus_II the_AT risk_NN1 of_IO the_AT collection_NN1 procedure_NN1 on_II the_AT animal_NN1 ._. 
