Comparison of transverse facial venous sinus and jugular blood values in healthy and critically ill horses

Abstract

SummaryReasons for performing study: The transverse facial venous sinus (TFVS) can be used for blood collection in horses, but information on the validity of blood values from this site is limited. Objectives: To determine if packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS) and blood lactate concentrations in blood drawn simultaneously from a TFVS and jugular vein of critically ill horses are correlated and determine the effect of serial TFVS sampling on the same parameters in healthy horses. Study design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Critically ill horses had simultaneous blood samples drawn from a TFVS and jugular vein. Blood was also drawn from the left TFVS and jugular vein from 6 healthy, adult horses q. 6 h for 24 h, then q. 24 h for 72 h. Blood was drawn from the right TFVS and jugular vein q. 24 h for 96 h. All samples were analysed for PCV, TS and blood lactate concentration. Data were analysed with 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in PCV, TS or blood lactate concentrations of TFVS samples compared with jugular blood in critically ill horses. Serial TFVS sampling in healthy horses had no significant effect on TS or blood lactate concentrations. Although PCV in the TFVS was significantly lower than in jugular blood on serial sampling, the difference was not considered clinically relevant. Conclusions: Packed cell volume, TS and blood lactate concentrations were comparable between the TFVS and jugular vein.

Comparison of hematology, plasma biochemistry, and blood gas variables between 2 venipuncture sites in Southern Stingrays (Dasyatis americana)

“…Hematologic and biochemical results may differ depending on the site of blood collection in many species, including nonbatoid elasmobranch species or sharks . Two venipuncture sites are commonly used in sharks: the caudal vasculature that runs along the ventral midline aspect of the tail, and the dorsal sinuses located immediately caudal to the dorsal fins .…”

“…[3][4][5][6] Hematologic and biochemical results may differ depending on the site of blood collection in many species, including nonbatoid elasmobranch species or sharks. [7][8][9][10] Two venipuncture sites are commonly used in sharks: the caudal vasculature that runs along the ventral midline aspect of the tail, and the dorsal sinuses located immediately caudal to the dorsal fins. 11 Comparison of clinical pathology results from these venipuncture sites yielded statistically significant differences in PCV, and total plasma protein and lactate concentrations in 2 separate studies, including one that evaluated several species.…”

Technique for venipuncture of the transverse facial vein in the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

“…While no evidence of complication arose in this case, maintenance of sound aseptic practices decreases the likelihood of phlebitis, thrombosis, or other complication related to repeated puncture. Further investigation into the clinical agreement between serum blood values obtained from this site compared to other venipuncture sites should be done, although previous studies in horses suggest that blood measures obtained from transverse facial vein samples did not significantly differ from other sampling sites in the same animal [Hunter et al, ; Dahan et al, ]. Further, comparison samples from the radial and auricular vein in the black rhinoceros displayed similar agreement, suggesting that blood parameters from the facial vein may concur with other sites as well [Miller, ].…”

“…). In equine patients, the same vein acts as an ancillary site for obtaining small venous blood samples, although typically in horses attempts at venipuncture are limited to anesthetized animals [Hunter et al, ]. The authors successfully punctured the facial vein in an anesthetized rhinoceros with the advantage of obtaining large blood volumes (10–12 ml) from the site.…”

AAEP/EVJ supplement 2013

“…To provide a basis for circumventing the use of the jugular vein in these cases, Hunter et al . compared values obtained for the most commonly monitored parameters (packed cell volume, total solids and lactate) from samples collected simultaneously from the jugular vein and transverse facial venous sinus of critically ill horses. Their results support the use of the transverse facial venous sinus for repeated blood sampling in these horses.…”