COMPARISON OF HEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF BLOOD TAKEN FROM THE CEPHALICAND MARGINAL EAR VEINS IN CATS

Various haematological components were compared in blood samples from the cephalic and marginal ear vein of 21 cats. Test results tended to be higher in blood samples from the cephalic vein, although significan t differences were only detected for haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count and the absolute numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes and lymphocytes. Differences in test results between the two veins we re small and apparently of only minor practical importance, thereby fu rther substantiating the suitability of the marginal ear vein nick tec hnique as a means of obtaining small blood samples from cats.