Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound to check central venous catheters in cats and dogs
By Bruno, Barbara et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2026·Department of Veterinary Science, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Point-of-care ultrasonography for verification of central venous catheter placement in cats and dogs.
Plain-English summary
A group of 15 pets, including 8 dogs and 7 cats, had central venous catheters placed for treatment in the hospital. To ensure the catheters were correctly positioned, veterinarians used both X-rays and ultrasound. The ultrasound method was found to be very reliable, matching the X-ray results in all cases and providing a safe alternative without radiation exposure. This means that ultrasound can effectively confirm catheter placement in pets, helping to ensure they receive the best care possible.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This prospective study aimed to investigate the use of ultrasonography for verifying central venous catheter placement in hospitalized cats and dogs, in comparison with radiographic assessment. METHODS: The investigation was conducted on client-owned animals. The position of the central venous catheter was checked using both thoracic radiography and ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic examination was performed in three steps: two intercostal scans of the cranial thorax (transverse and longitudinal scans), to visualize the course of the cranial vena cava within the mediastinum, and one right parasternal scan (sub-costal bicaval view), to visualize both the cranial and caudal vena cava entering the right atrium. RESULTS: A total of 15 animals (8 dogs and 7 cats) were included in this study. Radiographic evaluation confirmed correct device placement within the cranial vena cava in 15/15 animals, with catheter extension into the right atrium observed in 8/15 cases. Ultrasonographic assessment of the mediastinal region demonstrated good agreement with radiographic findings (94%; CI95%: 83%-100%), and the bicaval atrial view showed high reliability in identifying central venous catheter tip location (Kappa = 0.87; CI95%: 65%-100%). DISCUSSION: Ultrasound appears to be a reliable, non-invasive method for evaluating central venous catheter position in dogs and cats, with diagnostic accuracy comparable to radiography and the advantage of avoiding ionizing radiation exposure.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41822229/