How to Place a Lateral Saphenous IV Catheter in a Dog with Amanda M. Shelby

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February 2025

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education video, Amanda M. Shelby, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) demonstrates how to place a lateral saphenous intravenous (IV) catheter in a dog. Utilization of a hind limb catheter can be a practical approach and valuable skill for maintaining IV access in patients and during select procedures to help maintain sterility of the catheter (i.e., vomiting patients) or where IV access in the cranial half of the body is restricted (i.e., surgical procedures of the head, forelimbs, thorax). The patient is first restrained in lateral recumbency. Hair over the insertion sight is clipped and the catheter site is aseptically prepared. A 2-inch catheter is used in this video as the increased length helps prevent catheter dislodgment from mobility of the vein in this location. An assistant occludes the vessel. The technician’s non-dominant hand grasps the leg to both gently tighten the skin and to stabilize the vein during catheter insertion. Observation of blood in the hub of the stylet confirms the vein has been pierced by the stylet. Since the stylet tip extends more distal than the catheter, the whole apparatus –  catheter and stylet – are advanced a litter further to ensure that the tip of the catheter (and not just the stylet tip) is also inside the vessel; then the catheter is advanced off the stylet into the vein. A T-port is attached to the catheter and then the catheter is secured with porous medical tape. There are many variations to taping catheters depending on individual or hospital team preference, purpose for the catheter, and intended duration of catheter. Optionally, after taping is complete, some place a protective wrap. As a final step, catheter patency is again confirmed by flushing the catheter with sterile 0.9% NaCl.  

Want to see more videos on IV catheter placement in dogs and cats? Check out this VETgirl continuing education video by Dr. Mike Tokiwa, or this VETgirl continuing education video by Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC).

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