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Bleeding Procedure For a Rabbit Ear
The rabbit should be restrained and it can be helpful to wrap the animal in a large cloth to avoid inadvertent movement. Restraining an animal can cause stress, therefore the duration of restraint should be minimized. Local anesthetic cream (e.g. EMLA cream) can be applied to the site 30 minutes prior to blood sampling.
Blood is taken from the tip of the ear, away from the base of the ear. Serial blood samples can be taken by moving towards the base of the ear on the same vein and by alternating ears. The ear should be warmed in order to dilate the vessel. This can be done by gently stroking; it should not be necessary to use a heat lamp. The dorsal surface of the ear should be clipped.
Hair removal by shaving with a scalpel blade, though usually done ,is no longer recommended as it removes the epidermal layers of the skin. An aseptic technique should be used. Anesthesia is not necessary but may be used on welfare grounds for animals that are difficult to hold. The vein is normally occluded distally (away from the animal) before the needle is inserted.
Depending on the size of the rabbit and the frequency of sampling, 0.5 – 10 ml of blood can be collected. Up to eight samples can be collected in any 24-hour period, depending on sample volume and scientific justification. In order to minimize damage to the ear the number of attempts to take a blood sample should be minimized (no more than three needle sticks in any one attempt).
Blood flow should be stopped before the animal is returned to its cage or pen by applying finger pressure on the soft tissue placed at the blood sampling site for approximately two minutes.