Veterinarian draws blood from Tarantula named Kristen

Kristen is a one year old tarantula. She has been weak and lethargic for a little while so her owner, Kurtis booked an appointment with Dr. Kristy Hiltz of Sherbrooke Heights Animal Hospital in Peterborough, Ontario. It was difficult to find a veterinarian who was willing to examine and treat a tarantula. Dr. Hiltz agreed to give it a try. Between Dr. Hiltz, Kurtis, his friend, Justin, and a spider expert in the United States that Kurtis was communicating with during the appointment, they managed to draw a sample of hemolymph fluid, similar to blood. Dr. Hiltz will culture the sample and look for signs of a bacterial infection. They can treat Kristen accordingly, once they know more about what might be wrong with her. A tarantula's body fluids are under pressure so they needed to apply a small amount of suture glue to the needle site to prevent Kristen from losing her precious hemolymph. In order to draw her blood, Kristen needed to be anesthetized with isoflurane. A small amount was dripped onto a cotton ball and placed in a chamber with Kristen. The fumes were absorbed by her lungs and Kristen was soon asleep for the procedure. Tarantulas breathe passively as air flows into slits in their bodies and over a series of membranes that absorb oxygen. These are referred to as "book lungs". They work similarly to the membranes in a set of fish gills. The structure could also be compared with the radiator of a car. Increased surface area in the membranes allows for better oxygen absorption. Kristen recovered quickly from her anesthesia and went back home. Test results will be available in a day or so. Kurtis is a knowledgeable and dedicated tarantula owner who provides Kristen with excellent care. Source & embed code: https://rumble.com/v75fozu-veterinarian-draws-blood-from-tarantula-named-kristen.html For licensing, please email [email protected].