Evaluation of the viability of the use of totally implanted catheter in equine limbs

Abstract

In cases of orthopedic infections in horses, such as septic arthritis, septic tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis and osteitis pedal, early diagnosis and rapid and appropriate choice of therapy are essential. Currently, it was demonstrated that intravenous regional limb perfusion in horses is the most effective modality of treatment for orthopedic infections without systemic adverse effects. However, in many clinical cases, repeated intravenous regional limb perfusions are needed to solve persistent infections, and premature closure of these usually occur due to phlebitis or loss of venous access. It should be noted that repeated regional limb perfusions involve daily anesthetic procedures, animal strength due to pain at the site of the punctures and difficulty in accessing vessels due to inflammation of the puncture site. The cannulation of peripheral veins with conventional catheters requires intensive care to prevent infections and animal movement restrictions to prevent shifting of the catheter. Currently, totally implantable catheters have been used in human medicine promoting an easy and prolonged access to the vascular system. The totally implantable catheter is designed to be surgically implanted in large vessels and, subsequently, accessed through intact skin by puncturing a delivery device (hatch) which is housed in the subcutaneous space. It presents great advantages such as reduced risk of infection, decreased risk of displacement and migration of the catheter and reduced cost in the long term treatment. Based on the satisfactory results observed by the widespread use of totally implanted catheters in human medicine, and seeking to minimize the complications of repeated intravenous regional limb perfusions for prolonged treatment of orthopedic infections, this study will evaluate the feasibility of mantaining totally implanted catheter in horses limbs. (AU)