Assessment of subclinical venous catheter-related diseases in horses and associated risk factors.
Authors: Geraghty T E, Love S, Taylor D J, Heller J, Mellor D J, Hughes K J
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
Intravenous catheters are routine in equine practice, yet their subclinical complications—thrombosis and venous wall thickening—remain poorly characterised in terms of risk factors. Geraghty and colleagues prospectively examined 102 catheterised horses using serial ultrasound imaging of both jugular veins every 48 hours, identifying which factors predisposed to these complications. Horses presenting with rectal temperatures exceeding 38.5°C at catheter placement were four times more likely to develop venous changes, whilst concurrent NSAID administration significantly reduced complication rates. These findings suggest that infection or inflammatory status at the time of catheterisation substantially influences thrombotic risk, and that perioperative anti-inflammatory therapy may offer a simple protective strategy—relevant considerations when placing catheters in febrile patients or those at elevated thrombotic risk. Further investigation into optimal catheter management protocols, particularly regarding duration, diameter selection and antimicrobial strategies in high-risk cases, would help translate these observations into evidence-based clinical guidance.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor rectal temperature before placing IV catheters; febrile horses (>38.5°C) have significantly higher risk of thrombosis and need closer surveillance
- •Consider NSAID prophylaxis in catheterized horses to reduce venous complications, particularly in those with elevated temperature
- •Use ultrasound at 48-hour intervals to detect subclinical venous changes early, allowing intervention before clinical disease develops
Key Findings
- •Horses with rectal temperature above 38.5°C at catheter insertion were 4 times more likely to develop subclinical venous complications
- •NSAID administration during catheterization reduced the risk of complications developing
- •Subclinical complications were identified by ultrasound detection of thrombus formation or venous wall thickening in 102 catheterized horses