PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND DIAGNOSTICS
3.1 Clinical pathology
3.1.1 Haematology and biochemistry
Blood samples can be collected from the tail fluke of neonates (Blanshard 2001). Accessible veins run roughly parallel to the leading edge of the fluke, are located centrally within the fibrous connective tissue and are not visible from the surface.
Using a needle slightly longer than half the maximum thickness of the tail fluke (e.g. 23G, 19-mm winged infusion set) the needle is inserted perpendicular to the skin, slowly advanced to its full length and then withdrawn until blood is seen. In adults and juveniles, blood is collected from the deep brachial arteriovenous plexus of the pectoral flipper (Fig. 47.3) (Woods et al. 2008; Walsh et al. 2018) in the same manner as for manatees. Increased thickness of the tail fluke and potential danger if struck by the tail make the pectoral flipper an easier and safer option for larger animals (Blanshard 2001). A 21-23G, 25-mm needle has been used for small calves and 18-21G, 38-mm needles for larger animals. The pectoral flipper is pulled away from the trunk of the body. Using a medial approach the needle is inserted obliquely into the interosseous space between the radius and ulna in the lower one-third of the antebrachium.Haematology and biochemistry reference ranges for dugongs have been published (Lanyon et al. 2015; Woolford et al. 2015a) (see Appendix 1). The effects of physiological changes and pathological processes on
Fig. 47.3. Venipuncture from the deep brachial arteriovenous plexus of the pectoral flipper. Photo: Janet Lanyon
4.
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