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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th August 2022
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Study considers improving tolerance of intravenous catheterisation
Image (C) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care.
Reactions to vapocoolant spray swab and saline swab compared.

New research on improving the tolerance of intravenous catheterisation in emergency patients has found no significant difference when using vapocoolant spray than a saline control.

Studying canine and feline patients, researchers aimed to determine whether applying vapocoolant spray before inserting an intravenous catheter resulted in a reduced reaction and placement success.

Client-owned cats and dogs presenting as emergencies were used in the randomised control trial, and patients were randomly allocated to a swab saturated with vapocoolant spray or a swab saturated with saline before intravenous catheterisation.

For each patient, a video recording was taken of the swab application and the catheterisation, and these were reviewed by a single blinded observer, who assigned reaction scores. These scores (0 to 3) were assigned at four time points in the recording, initial restraint, limb handling, swab application and skin puncture.

The indirect application of vapocoolant spray before catheterisation via a swab did not have any significant effect on the reactions of the dogs and cats. It also did not appear to improve the success rates of placement. 

In canine patients, the study showed a significantly greater adverse response to the application of the vapocoolant swab in comparison to the saline control. Feline patients demonstrated adverse reactions to both.

Published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), 'The efficacy of vapocoolant spray for the improved tolerance of catheter pain in emergency patients' is available to read here, but is behind a paywall for non-BSAVA members. 

Nicola Di Girolamo, editor of JSAP, commented: “Pragmatic, adequately-powered, randomised controlled trials like the one presented here are essential to evaluate whether an intervention is not only efficacious in a controlled environment, but also effective during clinical practice.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.