Retro-orbital technique for blood collection from the ferret (Mustela putorius furo).
Blood samples were obtained from anesthetized ferrets of various ages, by venipuncture of the retro-orbital plexus with a heparinized capillary pipette. It is recommended that a cumulative collection of 20% of total blood volume not be exceeded for any two week period. This technique, when carefully performed on alternate orbits and at a frequency dictated by body weight and volume of blood needed, has been used repeatedly for months without apparent harm or distress to the animal.
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002335:Carnivora; D005289:Ferrets; D009915:Orbit / Q000098:blood supply; D014680:Veins