Is it safe to draw blood from my sheep for health testing myself?

Question

I need to draw blood from a sheep and I’m not sure how. I can’t find a vein or anything. I can’t put her with the herd without getting her blood testing

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. If you are not familiar with drawing blood from the jugular vein, then leave this job to a professional. You can inadvertently lacerate the jugular, or enter the carotid artery if you are not careful. There are nerves, the esophagus & trachea that can also be penetrated, especially if you do not have plenty of help holding & keeping the animal still. She will not stand there quietly for you. I would load her up & take her to your nearest large animal vet to do the blood draw, or if there is a capable veterinary technician, they can do it for you, too. If you have any type of agriculture school or program in your area ( FFA or 4H ), often the Ag teacher will be capable to do the blood draw too. Good luck.

Is it safe to draw blood from my sheep for health testing myself?

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