BLOOD COLLECTION FROM THE VENTRAL TAIL BASE IN SELECTED SMALL MAMMAL SPECIES

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Zoology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Traditional venipuncture methods in zoo mammals can be invasive and require significant animal handling.
• Limited minimally invasive blood collection techniques are available for diverse small zoo-dwelling mammals.
• The base of the tail as a venipuncture site has not been extensively studied in various small exotic mammal species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of blood collection from the tail base in six different mammalian species housed at a zoological garden.
• To describe the procedural methodology for successful tail base venipuncture in small zoo mammals.
• To highlight the advantages of tail base venipuncture for routine and urgent sampling in clinical and research settings.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from the tail base of black-and-white ruffed lemurs, Goeldi's marmosets, squirrel monkeys, long-tailed chinchillas, edible dormice, and meerkats.
• Needle gauge selection and anatomical approach were standardized and described.
• Procedural success rates were calculated for each species.

Main Results:

• High procedural success rates (53%–100%) were achieved for tail base blood collection across the six studied species.
• The technique successfully yielded high-quantity and high-quality blood samples.
• Advantages observed included avoidance of general anesthesia, reduced handling time, and enhanced handler safety.

Conclusions:

• Blood collection from the tail base is a highly effective and minimally invasive technique for diverse small zoo mammals.
• This method offers significant benefits over traditional venipuncture sites, improving animal welfare and handler safety.
• The described technique is a valuable tool for routine or urgent blood sampling in zoological settings.