Page 379 - Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice

Technical Aspects of Fluid Therapy 369

7. If your hands are trembling, it is safer to use a cath- from an injection needle for cats and small dogs or
eter introducer. These may be purchased (Catheter from a microchip implantation needle for large dogs
Introducer [part 6999], Becton Dickinson) or made (Figure 15-6, G).

G H

I J

K L
Figure 15-6 cont'd G, A catheter introducer will be used to facilitate entry of the catheter into the vein.
It may be purchased (plastic introducer at left) or fashioned from the bent and dulled tip of a suitable
size needle. H, The No. 11 blade is held upside down to make a venotomy incision directly over the distal
handle. I, The venotomy wound is opened with the catheter introducer, and the needle is partially withdrawn
from the tip of the catheter and is advanced into the wound until it lodges where the vein makes a 90-degree
turn into the wound. J, The catheter introducer is then set aside. K, The forceps are pulled toward the
hock to straighten out the vein, and the catheter is advanced off of the needle up the vein. L, An intravenous
fluid line is connected immediately.

(continued)