Evaluation of indwelling intravenous catheters for the regional perfusion of the limbs of horses.

The study is about assessing the practicality of keeping continuous intravenous catheters in specific veins of horses for a week, for the purpose of injecting antibiotic drugs. Factors affecting the longevity of the catheter were looked into.

Objective of the study

• The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of maintaining indwelling intravenous catheters (a tube placed into a vein) in horses for a period of seven days. This was to enable the administration of antimicrobial medications for treating various health conditions.

Methodology

• The research involved 18 horses who were randomly placed into six groups based on the vein that was catheterised and the type of drug administered – amikacin or erythromycin.
• The veins selected for the procedure were the saphenous, cephalic, or palmar digital vein in the horses.

Findings

• None of the catheters installed required more than one replacement, and 11 out of the 18 catheters maintained their functionality throughout the entire seven days.
• The study observed no significant influence of the type of drug used or the vein catheterised on the longevity or functionality of the catheter.
• The research noted a few complications including local inflammation, lameness, thrombophlebitis (a condition where a blood clot in the vein causes inflammation), and a severe tissue reaction to erythromycin. However, these complications were resolved within the seven-day period for all but three of the cases.

Conclusion

• Given the positive outcomes registered in 15 out of 18 cases, the study shows promising evidence towards the feasibility of maintaining intravenous catheters in the selected veins of the horses for a week to administer antimicrobial medication.