A guide to placing an intraosseous catheter in the avian distal ulna
Abstract
In the critical avian patient, inserting an intraosseous catheter into the distal portion of the ulna bone can allow immediate administration of fluid therapy and intravenous medications. This article provides a guide to performing this procedure, including information on considerations for use, relevant anatomy, equipment required and analgesia.
Fluid therapy is an essential part of the emergency treatment of critical avian patients. In small or collapsed, very unwell or severely dehydrated patients, gaining intravenous (IV) access may be extremely difficult. Fortunately, fluid therapy and many IV medications can be given via an intraosseous (IO) catheter placed directly into an appropriate bone that allows for their quick absorption into the vasculature (Bowles et al, 2007). Note that hypertonic or strongly alkaline drugs should not be given by this route (Quesenberry and Hillyer, 1994).
In birds the distal ulna bone is often chosen for securing IO access, since it is not a pneumatised bone connected to the respiratory tract. In the author's opinion this site is relatively easily accessible and well-tolerated in raptors and companion avian species. This article provides a guide to IO catheter placement in the avian distal ulna.
Compared to an IV catheter, an IO catheter has the advantage of being more difficult for the patient to disrupt or remove. Additionally, patient interference will not result in blood loss (which could lead to exsanguination), which can be a concern with IV access. Intraosseous catheters can be left in situ for up to 72 hours; they require regular monitoring and maintenance during this time, including flushing every 6 hours while in place (Edis, 2016).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting UK-VET Companion Animal and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.