What is the recommended method for collecting blood samples in small animals?

Venipuncture is the recommended method for collecting blood samples in small animals because it allows for the collection of adequate blood volumes needed for a variety of diagnostic tests. This method involves puncturing a vein with a needle, typically in areas like the cephalic or saphenous veins, which provides a more stable and reliable environment for blood collection as opposed to other methods.

Using venipuncture minimizes trauma to the animal and is generally safer, as it poses lower risks of complications compared to techniques like arterial puncture, which can be more invasive and stressful for the patient. Additionally, venipuncture is preferable for routine blood work, as the quality of the sample obtained is usually superior for analyses due to less contamination compared with capillary punctures, which may yield smaller samples and higher rates of hemolysis.

Overall, the effectiveness and efficiency of venipuncture make it the standard practice for blood collection in small animals, ensuring sufficient sample volume and better sample integrity for laboratory results.