What should be done if an animal is ill prior to a blood collection?

Contacting a veterinarian is crucial when an animal is ill prior to a blood collection. This step ensures that the animal receives the necessary medical attention and evaluation, which can influence the decision on whether to proceed with the blood collection or to address the animal's health problem first. A veterinarian can assess the extent of the illness and determine the safety and appropriateness of performing a blood draw on the sick animal. By prioritizing the animal's well-being, this approach aligns with ethical standards in veterinary practices and helps prevent unnecessary stress or harm to the animal.

Other options may not consider the animal's health status adequately and could lead to further complications. For instance, proceeding with the collection without assessing the animal's condition might worsen its health. Checking for signs of pain is important but is not sufficient by itself; it does not address the underlying health issue nor provide the necessary clinical guidance that a veterinarian can offer. Collecting blood without hesitation disregards the animal's well-being and fails to recognize that its illness could affect the quality of the blood sample or the animal's response to the procedure. Thus, reaching out to a veterinarian is the most appropriate and responsible action in this scenario.