Hematologic Assessment in Pet Rats, Mice, Hamsters, and Gerbils: Blood Sample Collection and Blood Cell Identification

Clin Lab Med. 2015 Sep;35(3):629-40. doi: 10.1016/j.cll.2015.05.011.

Abstract

Hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice are presented to veterinary clinics and hospitals for prophylactic care and treatment of clinical signs of disease. Physical examination, history, and husbandry practice information can be supplemented greatly by assessment of hematologic parameters. As a resource for veterinarians and their technicians, this article describes the methods for collection of blood, identification of blood cells, and interpretation of the hemogram in mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters.

Keywords: Blood collection; Gerbil; Hamster; Hematology; Hemogram; Mouse; Rat.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Cells / cytology
  • Blood Cells / pathology
  • Blood Specimen Collection / trends
  • Blood Specimen Collection / veterinary
  • Containment of Biohazards / trends
  • Containment of Biohazards / veterinary
  • Cricetinae
  • Gerbillinae / physiology*
  • Hematologic Diseases / blood
  • Hematologic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Hematologic Diseases / etiology
  • Hematologic Diseases / veterinary*
  • Hematologic Tests / trends
  • Hematologic Tests / veterinary*
  • Mice
  • Occupational Health / trends
  • Pets / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Restraint, Physical / veterinary
  • Rodent Diseases / blood*
  • Rodent Diseases / diagnosis
  • Rodent Diseases / pathology
  • Rodent Diseases / physiopathology