TAPIR FIELD VETERINARY MANUAL - Tapir Specialist Group

6.1.1. Blood
For each sampling procedure, the area must be properly disinfected with 1:1 povidine
iodine/ethanol 70% solution or chlorhexidine, given that tapirs have semi-aquatic behavior
and their skin can be highly contaminated.
The venipuncture can be easily made on the saphenous or cephalic veins or in their
carpal/tarsal derivates, on medial access, where the skin is thinner. The jugular vein is deep
and not always easy to access, but is an important alternative when large blood volumes are
necessary or when the other veins are collapsing after puncture. For the case of young
animals, the jugular vein tends to be the easiest access. The caudal auricular vein which
runs along the center of the back of the ear may also be used.
The use of vacuum sampling systems (e.g. Vacutainer®) is recommended for the collection
of blood samples, as it avoids the contamination of the samples and allows collecting multiple
samples from a single vascular puncture, reducing vascular trauma.
6.1.1.1. Blood with Anticoagulant
For hematology, the blood must be collected with EDTA given its property of preserving the
cell size and shape, and a smear in a slide is recommended to be performed immediately. Try
to fill the tube with the proper blood volume, otherwise there will be dilution alterations, and
the cell count will be not realistic. The sample must be refrigerated until its processing in the
laboratory. Heparin retards blood coagulation for up to 8 hours, and its use is recommended
for cytogenetic studies in tapirs.
The blood collected with anticoagulant should be homogenized soon after collection, with
slow and continuous movements to mixture the blood and the anticoagulant. The blood
should then be refrigerated to reduce hemolysis, possibly with a thermo box with ice.
6.1.1.2. Blood without Anticoagulant
For serum analyses for biochemistry studies, samples must be collected without
anticoagulant, and serum must be analyzed immediately, or stored in cryovials in liquid
nitrogen for further analysis. Samples must be refrigerated until processed in the laboratory
through the first 24 hours.
Samples are collected without anticoagulant, in vacuum tubes with or without gel. Serum
amount obtained per blood sample depends on the conditions of the animal, and is generally
50% or less. Hemolysis must be avoided, so the samples must be managed with care and
protected from direct sunlight. After a short period of rest the blood should be refrigerated
to reduce hemolysis, possibly with a thermo box with ice.