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

Blood collection from the base of the tail was successfully performed in six mammalian species housed at the Ljubljana Zoo, Slovenia. This method demonstrated high success rates in black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata), Goeldi's marmosets (Callimico goeldii), squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), long-tailed chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), edible dormice (Glis glis), and meerkats (Suricata suricatta), with procedural success rates ranging from 53% to 100%. The technique offers several advantages over other venipuncture sites, including the avoidance of general anesthesia, reduction in animal handling time, enhanced handler safety, and high-quantity and quality sampling in diverse small mammals. The procedural methodology, including needle gauge selection and anatomical approach, is described. The utility of this technique in clinical and research settings is discussed, underscoring its applicability as a minimally invasive and reliable method for routine or urgent sampling in diverse zoo mammals.