Removal of an embolised intravenous catheter fragment via femoral venotomy in a dog

Intravenous catheterisation is a routine and essential procedure in veterinary medicine. Catheter fragment embolisation is a rare but serious complication. A 5‐year‐old female spayed Pitbull mix was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment of immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia. An 8″ through‐the‐needle sampling catheter (BD Intracath) was placed in the left lateral saphenous vein through an indwelling 20‐gauge peripheral catheter. Approximately 24 hours after placement, the sampling catheter was no longer patent and was removed through the peripheral intravenous catheter. Shortening of the original sampling catheter length was noted following removal. Left pelvic limb radiographs were performed, showing an approximately 6″ fragment of the catheter that had migrated from the left lateral saphenous vein to the left femoral vein. The fragment was successfully removed from the femoral vein by longitudinal venotomy. The patient recovered uneventfully from the procedure with no long‐lasting complications.