Swine

Lifeblood Collection
Techniques

Presented by: Louise Anne N. Nagal

 Animal Name: Pig
Background: Majority of swine's blood vessels lie below a
large amount of their subcutaneous fat and
muscle mass, thereby blood collection from
these animals, especially the larger ones, has
been described as difficult. However, methods of
blood collection and guidelines for sampling
volumes applicable to research, especially in the
field of biomedical research, have been and
continuously being developed.
Come! Let us learn together about the methods
and techniques on how we could collect blood
samples in swine.
 Materialsand
How to collect blood from pigs?
Methods
By using a blowpipe 'Telinject', a mixture of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and
atropine sulphate (0' 06 mg per pig) as premedication was introduced
muscularly to pigs from between 15kg-40kg in body weight using a 3 ml syringe
with a 21G needle. 10 mins. after, sedation will then be achieved.
The pig is laid laterally on its side, abdomen facing the operator. The area
where the subcutaneous vein was located was swabbed with 70% alcohol. Thumb
pressure was applied on the proximal end of the vessel to occlude blood flow.
Then a 2IG or I9G needle, depending on the animal size, was introduced into the
engorged vessel. This method enables the required amount of blood to be easily
collected.
Haemostasis will be achieved by application of thumb pressure for about
5 mins. then in about 20 mins., pig will returned to its regained consciousness.
Each animal was successfully bled through this subcutaneous vein. This
procedure allowed repeated blood sampling over several weeks and has not
posed any major difficulties or problems.
Results and Discussion
The orbital sinus bleeding technique is minimally invasive, requires very
little training and is quick. Pigs exhibit minimal discomfort during the procedure
and return to their normal activities within 3-5 min after the procedure is
completed. For this procedure to be efficient, pigs must be restrained in the
dorsal recumbent position; if they are too large to be effectively restrained in
this position (15-20 kg), other methods of blood collection must be used.
Maintenance of the catheter is also very important when withdrawing
samples and aseptic procedures should be observed. . Antibiotics should be
placed in the catheter between blood collections. It is important to ensure the
secure positioning of the catheter pre-operation. Post-operation, catheter
should be flushed with heparin and for long-term use, these catheters should be
flushed once or twice daily.
Key Take-Aways
Pigs can be easily excited and become distraught
Sedated pigs are much easier to operate and could
also reduce their stress to a minimum.
'Telinject' is a useful tool which does not require
much skill for administering an injection.
Ensure positioning of catheter
Maintenance of the catheter prevents infections
and bacteria from coming through

Thank You!