Central Venous Catheter Placement in Chelonians

Key Points

  • Long-term vascular access is difficult to obtain and maintain in chelonians.
  • Central venous catheters provide flexibility and length to avoid catheter dislodgement.
  • The Seldinger or guide wire technique for placement of central venous catheters is simple to learn and only requires sedation and pre-assembled kits.
  • Central lines are an effective tool that allow serial blood measurements and can be used for anesthesia administration, intravenous drug delivery, blood product transfusions, and continuous fluid therapy or continuous rate infusions.

Long-term vascular access is difficult to obtain and maintain in chelonians. Fortunately, central venous catheters provide flexibility and length to avoid catheter dislodgement. Central lines are an effective tool that allow serial blood measurements and can be used for anesthesia administration, intravenous drug delivery, blood product transfusions, and continuous fluid therapy or continuous rate infusions.This photo tutorial article describes this simple technique step-by-step . . .


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References

Bel LV, Selleri P. Use of a light source to help identify the jugular vein in chelonians. J Small Anim Pract 59(3):197, 2017.

Canadian Agency for Drugs & Technologies in Health. Electrocardiograms Versus X-rays for Guided Placement of Central Venous Catheter Tips: A Review of Clinical and Cost-effectiveness. CADT; 2012.
Davis H. Gaining and maintaining venous access. Proc Annu Conf Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians 2015.

Dutra GHP, Futema F, Marques FA, et al. Intravascular access in Chelonia mydas and Dermochelys coriacea using the Seldinger technique ultrasound-guided. J Life Sci 8(5): 385-393, 2014.

Martinez-Jimenez D, Hernandez-Divers S. Emergency care of reptiles. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 10(2):557–585, 2007.

Pardo M., Divers S. Jugular central venous catheter placement through a modified Seldinger technique for long-term venous access in chelonians. J Zoo Wild Med 47(1):286-290, 2016.

Vigani A. Chelonia (Tortoises, Turtles, and Terrapins). In: West G, Heard D, Caulkett N (eds). Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia, 2nd ed. Hoboken:  John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2014: 365.