Techniques and Complications of Intravenous and Intraarterial Catheterization in Dogs and Cats

SUMMARY The use of fluid therapy, blood gas analysis, and direct arterial blood pressure monitoring are becoming increasingly widespread in veterinary medicine. Thus, effective short- and long-term catheterization techniques are important for fluid delivery and multiple blood sampling. The cephalic and jugular veins and the femoral artery are the most accessible and commonly used vessels. Several types of catheter are available and the choice varies depending on the type of fluid, the anticipated duration of administration, and the condition of the animal being treated. The major complications of catheterization are infection and catheter occlusion and breakage. Of these, infection is the most important, and strict precautions must therefore be taken to avoid catheter contamination.