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Chapter 11 Clinical Techniques 209

(a) (b)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(c)

FIGURE 11.41 Utility (a), Knowles (b), and Lister bandage scissors (c).

the catheter when removing the bandage. Only a ban-
dage scissors can be used to slide under the tertiary ban-
dage material (Figure 11.41). Its wedge‐shaped tip
pushes the skin away from the blades, so it is not cut
inadvertently.
Keeping the leg steady while the bandage is removed
FIGURE 11.40 Infusion pump. is very important. The patient should be in sternal
recumbency with the leg extended out. This is done by
resting the patient’s elbow in your palm. This allows you
The assistant’s job is to make sure the drips continue to gently push the leg forward and prevent backward
at the set rate for the amount of fluids to be given for movement if the patient should jerk its leg. If the cath-
either method of delivery. This may entail sitting with eter is in the jugular, sternal or sitting restraint is usually
the patient and holding them still, making sure the tub- appropriate. When the bandage is off, be very aware that
ing and the catheter does not kink. The assistant may the patient may try to lick the area. This is very strange to
also be asked to monitor the IV catheter site or to assist them and they will want to investigate. Do not allow them
with restraint while the site is evaluated by the veteri- to reach the area. Once the bandage is replaced, an
narian or technician. Elizabethan collar or a basket muzzle is usually applied
There is usually a bandage placed over the site that to prevent the patient from chewing on the bandage and
will need to be removed in order to check the insertion pulling out the catheter.
point and then reapplied after the inspection. Gathering Once the bandage is off, the site should be inspected
the materials necessary will be of value to the team. The for phlebitis. This is evidenced by a red, swollen, hot, or
type of bandaging materials will depend on the individual painful area around the catheter insertion point.
preferences of the veterinarian or technician but will Another sign of catheter failure is pitting edema, so if
usually be a combination of a roll of self‐adhesive ban- there is any kind of swelling, inflammation, or bruising
dage material, adhesive tape, antiseptic solution, gauze alert the veterinarian immediately. If the catheter is in a
sponge or cotton balls, and an antibiotic ointment. The leg vein, it is usually changed to another location after
bandage is carefully removed to inspect the insertion 48–72 hours. If in a jugular vein, it can stay in place until
site. Care must be taken not to cut the IV line or dislodge it is no longer needed or it shows signs of phlebitis.