Non-surgical catheterization of the jugular vein in young pigs

Current methods utilized for serial blood collection in the young pig are l imited due to the stress and/or discomfort to which the pig is exposed. Thu s, we have developed a nan-surgical, minimally invasive cannulation techniq ue which allows jugular vein catheter placement in the young pig without ca using extended discomfort or stress. The procedure described is rapid (appr oximately 8 min/pig) and relatively simple, requiring only minimal anaesthe sia for immobilization of the pig during the procedure. Routinely, 2-week-o ld piglets are standing in their pens within 15-20 min from initiation of t he procedure. Piglets recover rapidly from the procedure and display no cli nical indications of pain or discomfort. Serum concentrations of cortisol, a standard indicator of stress and/or discomfort, are asymptomatic within 2 h of, completing the procedure ((x) over bar = 26.14 +/- 3.03 ng/ml). Stre ss is limited to the initial immobilization of the piglets. With this techn ique of cannulation, we routinely maintain catheter patency for 2 days, and often for as long as 5 days.