CATHETERIZATION OF THE AURICULAR VEIN IN CATTLE - 68 CASES (1991-1994)

Objective-To evaluate the use of auricular vein catheters (AVC) in cat tle in a clinical setting. Design-Case series. Animals-57 cattle. Proc edure-68 AVC were placed in cattle for the administration of drugs or rehydration fluids. Catheter size, quantity of fluids administered, du ration of administration, drugs administered, duration of catheter mai ntenance, and problems were recorded. Results-The AVC ranged in size f rom 20 to 14 gauge, with the latter being the predominate size. A maxi mum flow rate of 7.7 L/h was achieved, and the flow rate was satisfact ory in all but 1 case. The maximum duration of maintenance was > 96 ho urs. Problems occurred in 29 of 68 (43%) catheterizations; the most fr equent problem was occlusion of the catheter, which occurred 16 times (24%). No serious complications occurred. Clinical Implications-Auricu lar vein catheters were a convenient, safe, ana low-cost alternative t o jugular vein catheters.