A novel technique: how to perform proximal jugular venipuncture in small mammals

To demonstrate how to perform a venipuncture technique in small mammals using the proximal jugular vein, which may be useful when working with zoological companion and laboratory animals.

Proximal jugular venipuncture can be performed in a variety of small mammal species.

Heavy sedation or anesthesia is required. The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency and the skin disinfected. A small-gauge needle (typically, a 27-gauge needle or smaller is sufficient) on a 1- to 3-mL syringe is inserted 90° to the skin immediately cranial to where the clavicle inserts onto the manubrium. In species with small clavicles (eg, guinea pigs), the needle is inserted where the first rib connects to the manubrium. The needle is inserted to a depth of approximately 1 cm and slowly retracted with negative pressure. When a flash of blood appears in the hub, the needle is maintained at that depth by stabilizing the barrel. If the blood flow stops, the needle is gently inserted or retracted until it resumes. Pressure is held at the site after needle retraction.

Proximal jugular venipuncture is performed with the immobilized patient in dorsal recumbency and utilizes palpable landmarks. Holding the needle at the successful depth by stabilizing the syringe barrel is key for blood collection, and it is important to hold pressure at the site after collection to prevent hematoma formation.

Proximal jugular venipuncture is an option for collecting diagnostically useful volumes of blood in several small mammal species and provides palpable landmarks for needle placement while avoiding the need to utilize small peripheral veins or needle insertion into the thoracic cavity (eg, cranial vena cava venipuncture).