Re: Drug test/IV question

["Heidi Smith" <heidi@sagehillcmk.com>]

We don't "always" start the IV on the left. But it is more commonly done on the left simply because most horses are more used to being handled on the left, and it is often easier to work on the side the handler is on.  Just a safety precaution that gets to be a habit, even though in a really "crashed" horse, it generally is not an issue.

 

As for being right-handed--it is easier for a right-handed person to stick a needle upward on the left side of the horse and downward on the right side of the horse, although not difficult to teach one's self to do either on either side.  So, when drawing blood, where it is ideal to have the needle positioned "into" the blood flow, it is somewhat easier for a right-handed person on the left side.  On the other hand, an IV catheter delivering fluid needs to be placed so that it runs "with" the flow of blood (ie downward) so it is actually easier for a right-handed person to place one on the right side.  But most of us have learned to do it from the left for the reasons mentioned above.

 

As for there being other veins besides the jugular that can be used for IV's--yes, there are, but none as conveniently large, as conveniently straight, and as conveniently accessable.  The cephalic vein in the forearm can be used, but it is down on the inside of the forearm and one has to twist one's self around in an odd position to get to it.  Likewise the saphenous vein in the hind leg.  Neither are commonly used unless the horse is down and anesthetized and the jugular is for some reason not accessible.  Somehow crawling between an awake horse's hind legs to get a catheter placed in a saphenous vein is not an appealing prospect....  :-)

 

Heidi 

----- Original Message -----

From: beth glover

To: ridecamp@endurance.net

Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 9:54 AM

Subject: RC: Drug test/IV question

I have a question for anyone who has had an IV at a ride, or had started an IV or did blood work on horses at a ride, or anywhere for that matter. How come they always do it on the horse's Left side of their neck? Is there not an equal vein of the opposite side? Are they bilateral or unilateral? Is this just a coincidence, or maybe its easier if you are right handed, so that's why they do it? What if the vein gets poked many times, like sometimes racehorses do, and it gets sore or sclerosed, or infected? Are there other veins that can be used for treatment besides the neck?  just curious, Thanks Beth

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