Evaluation of indwelling intravenous catheters for the regional perfusion of the limbs of horses.
Authors: Kelmer G, Catasus C T, Saxton A M, Elliot S B
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary This 2009 study examined the viability of keeping indwelling intravenous catheters in place for week-long regional antimicrobial therapy in equine limbs, recruiting 18 horses with catheters placed in the saphenous, cephalic or palmar digital veins and randomly assigned to receive either amikacin or erythromycin infusions. The researchers found encouraging results: 11 of 18 catheters (61%) remained patent throughout the full seven-day period, with catheter survival unaffected by either the antimicrobial agent used or the specific vein selected for catheterisation. Whilst local complications including inflammation, lameness, thrombophlebitis and tissue reactions did occur in five cases, all but three resolved spontaneously during the treatment period, with only one case showing a severe adverse reaction (erythromycin-related tissue damage). These findings support the practical feasibility of regional perfusion therapy via indwelling catheters for treating equine limb conditions, though practitioners should remain vigilant for local complications and have contingency plans for catheter replacement, as approximately 40% required early removal or replacement.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Indwelling catheters can be reliably maintained in equine limb veins for seven days of regional antimicrobial perfusion, with over 60% patent survival without need for replacement
- •Vein selection (saphenous, cephalic, or palmar digital) does not meaningfully affect catheter success, allowing flexibility based on clinical access and patient factors
- •Monitor for local inflammation and thrombophlebitis, but expect most complications to resolve spontaneously; erythromycin carries risk of severe tissue reactions and may warrant caution in sensitive cases
Key Findings
- •11 of 18 indwelling intravenous catheters (61%) remained patent for all seven days without replacement
- •Neither the antimicrobial drug administered (amikacin vs erythromycin) nor the vein catheterised (saphenous, cephalic, or palmar digital) significantly affected catheter survival
- •Complications including local inflammation, lameness, thrombophlebitis, and tissue reaction occurred in 3 of 18 cases (17%) and all resolved within the seven-day period except one severe erythromycin reaction