I can't accept that the reccommendations of United Vaccines always
represent the humane interests of ferrets.
 
Here are some other methods reccommended by "authorities" and I'm pretty
darned sure they are neither humane or caring.
 
"Retro-orbital technique for blood collection from the ferret
(Mustela putorius furo)." J.G. Fox, K. Hewes and S.M. Niemi.
Laboratory Animal Science 34(2):198-199(April 1984).
NAL call number: 410.9 P94
 
"Blood collection techniques and normal values for
ferrets, rabbits, and rodents - a review." S.J. Wechsler.
VM/SAC - Veterinary Medicine and Small Animal
Clinician 78(5):713-717(May 1983).
NAL call number: 41.8 M69
 
"A tethered-restraint system for blood collection from ferrets."
R.K. Jackson, V.A. Kieffer, J.J. Sauber and G.L. King. Laboratory
'Animal Science 38(5):625-628(October 1988).
NAL call number: 410.9 P94
 
"Use of a tethered restraint system for acute blood collection in the
ferret during conscious behavior." R.K. Jackson, G.L. King,
V.A. Kieffer, L.J. Davis, J.J. Sauber, J.E. Hall and R.H. Weichbrod.
Laboratory Animal Science 37(4):539(1987).
NAL call number: 410.9 P94
 
My own vet, Dr. Thomas P.  Nelson, DVM will not clip nails for blood
collection and is willing to take the extra time and effort to find a
vein.  I'd hope more vets would do likewise.
 
Bob
[Posted in FML issue 2919]