Evaluation of an intravenous catheter for use in the horse.

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a polyvinyl chloride intravenous catheter in horses over 3-10 days. The researchers also developed a new insertion technique and a protocol for catheter care.

Objective of the Study

• The study was designed to assess the suitability, effectiveness and safety of a commercially available polyvinyl chloride intravenous catheter in horses, developing a new technique for its insertion, as well as establishing a care routine for the catheter.

Design of the Study & Participants

• Nine horses participated in this study. They were monitored for a period between 3 to 10 days.
• Seven of these were clinically normal horses that were receiving parenteral nutrition via the catheter.
• One of the horses was suffering from hypocalcemia and was receiving intravenous injections of calcium gluconate through the catheter.
• There was also a clinically normal horse included in the study that was not receiving any infusions.

Maintenance Protocol

• The researchers maintained an extensive protocol for the care of the catheter. The dressings of the catheter were changed every 48 hours.
• Whenever the catheter was removed, an aspirate from the catheter and the catheter tip was cultured to check for infections.

Findings of the Study

• Out of all the catheters used in this study, only one became infected. This infection was only observed after there was a break in the maintenance and care protocol, indicating that the infection likely resulted due to negligence in following the protocol.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that the polyvinyl catheter is safe and suitable for use in horses.
• It also suggested that the new technique for catheter insertion and the protocol for catheter maintenance could help in minimizing complications such as catheter sepsis, thrombophlebitis, and embolism.