Indwelling jugular venous catheterization of semirestrained cattle

An inexpensive method for chronic cannulation of one or both jugular veins in cattle was devised. A commercial catheter set containing a 14-gauge 5-cm needle, a 16-gauge 60-cm catheter with stylet, and a plastic retainer facilitated intravenous dosing and blood withdrawal at timed intervals. The method did not require special restraining equipment for large animals and was completed within 10 to 15 minutes per animal. The catheter apparatus did not interfere with ad libitum feeding and watering of trained cattle.