From:
ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2001-03-27 11:12:00 UTC
Subject: Drawing Blood was Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Digest Number 90
In a message dated 03/27/01 3:09:58 AM Eastern Standard Time,
Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com writes:
<< Fast for 3 hours. Collect the necessary supplies before you grab the
ferret. (Glucometer, test strip, nail clippers, Ferretone, paper
towel, Kwik Stop) Have someone hold the ferret by the scruff while
giving him Ferretone. Clip a rear foot nail too short to get a drop
of blood. Move the glucometer to the dangling ferret rather than
trying to move the ferret to drip the blood on the test strip!
>>
I do not recommend getting blood this way. First of all, toe nail clips
hurt! Secondly, the blood obtained in this manner can be contaminated very
easily. If you must do BG checks at home, have your vet teach you how to do
venipuncture. With a small gauge needle, it is easily possible to obtain
enough blood from the cephalic vein (front leg) without causing the ferret
any distress, once you have practiced it.
Dr. Ruth
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