Comparison of three different techniques for subcutaneous relocation of the carotid artery in small ruminants

Three surgical techniques for subcutaneous relocation of the carotid artery in small ruminants are compared. A total of 25 sheep and seven goats were used and randomly assigned to three groups. In group A (technique A), the c arotid artery was moved subcutaneously and kept there by suturing the tissu es on both sides of the jugular vein beneath the relocated artery and the s kin above it. In the other two groups the relocated artery was secured into a skin strip (technique B) or a skin fold (technique C). The animals were used for repeated blood sampling over a period of several months. Technique A did not provide good immobilization whilst among the three, tec hnique B provided the least protection of the relocated artery and was the most difficult to perform. It was concluded that technique C was superior t o the other two methods in providing better conditions for long-term blood sampling.