VET

What volume of blood can be safely collected at any one time in a 2 kg pet rabbit? And how is this calculated? The maximum volume removed at any one time should not exceed 10% of the circulating blood volume. Total blood volume in a healthy rabbit range between 5.5-7% of body weight.  Therefore, in a 2 kg rabbit the total blood volume ranges between 110-140 ml and the maximum volume of blood that may be safely taken is 11-14 ml. A slightly lower volume may be prudent for juveniles, ill animals or suspected anaemic cases. Protocol for marginal ear vein / artery blood sample collection Requirements include animal, anesthetic agent, cotton, 26G needle, 95% v/v alcohol,  topical vasodilatator  (o-Xylene ), surgery blade and blood sample collection tube. The animal should be placed in a restrainer. Restrain rabbit securely with mechanical rabbit restrainer, towel wrap method or commercially available sacks. Ear is cleaned with 95% v/v alcohol and local anesthetic