Objective: To determine whether coagulation test results for blood samples obtained from heparinized jugular vein catheters in dogs are accurate.
Design: Prospective, controlled study.
Animals: Fourteen clinically normal dogs.
Procedure: Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, concentration of fibrin degradation products, and fibrinogen concentration were measured in blood samples obtained by means of direct jugular venipuncture and through an indwelling jugular vein catheter 0, 2, 8, 24, and 48 hours after catheter placement. Blood samples were collected from the catheter by means of a 2-syringe technique, which involved discarding the first volume of blood collected.
Results: For all sample times, mean values for samples obtained from the jugular vein catheter were not significantly different from mean values for samples obtained by means of venipuncture.
Clinical implications: Blood samples for coagulation tests may be obtained from jugular vein catheters up to 48 hours after catheter placement in clinically normal dogs.