Page 253 - ATP-P 11th Ed

Maintain a firm hold on the dogs leg as you place the cath-
eter, as they will pull away from you while placing the
catheter.
Start distally on the vein. If you blow the vein, move more
proximally and attempt the IV.
An 18 gauge 1½" catheter can be used in both the cephalic
and the saphenous veins.

In the hind leg, the lateral saphenous vein is used. This vein
is harder to maintain and secure. SECTION 2
In both procedures use plenty of tape to secure the IV line. Figure 1 Cephalic Vein
Your patient will try to pull it out. If they are ambulatory,
movement will often dislodge the IV. IVs in conscious
dogs must be monitored.
Hydration Status
1. Normal Hydration: Pick up skin and release. It should
return to the original position that it was, within 1
second.
a. Capillary Refill Time (CRT) is measured by press-
ing on the gums over the canine tooth. Using 1
finger, press down firmly until the gums turn white
under your finger and release. Anything over 2 sec-
onds is considered too long. Also, note the normal
color of your dog’s gums and mouth. Dog’s gum Figure 2 Saphenous Vein
color may vary from black, pink, reddish brown or
any combination of those colors.
2. Dehydration:
a. 6–8% dehydration – loss of skin elasticity, tacky gums, mildly prolonged CRT
b. 10–12% dehydration – tented skin, dry gums, prolonged CRT, sunken eyes, in-
creased HR, rapid/weak pulses. Consider a 10–12% dehydration an emergency.
3. Dehydration Fluid Replacement
a. Estimate dehydration
i. 5% give 1000mL bolus IV
ii. 10% give 1500mL bolus IV
b. Fluid choice is normal saline or lactated Ringer’s Solution. Oral fluid consumption
is the best way to prevent dehydration and it is important to offer water when rehy-
drating a dog.

242 SECTION 2 TACTICAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS (TMEPs) ATP-P Handbook 11th Edition 243