How to Draw Blood From a Snake

Ever wonder how we get blood from a snake? When snakes get sick we sometimes like to check their blood values just like any other sick pet. But how do you get blood from a snake when there is obviously no arm vein to access. Some snakes have a large enough tail vein to draw blood from, but in most situations where snake blood is needed a direct cardiac or heart stick is used. Sounds bad but the collection is very fast and has proven to be very safe in snakes. Here Pet Care staff member, Amy Dorr, draws blood from a twelve pound red tailed boa.