Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vascular access ports for dogs and cats with cancer
By Cahalane, Alane Kosanovich et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2007·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of vascular access ports in femoral veins of dogs and cats with cancer.
Plain-English summary
Three dogs and six cats with cancer received special devices called vascular access ports (VAPs) implanted in their femoral veins to help with chemotherapy and other treatments. These ports allowed for easy blood sampling and medication delivery, with most pets experiencing minimal discomfort. On average, the ports worked well for about five months, and pet owners were generally satisfied with the results. While there were some complications, like blockages and infections, the overall success of using VAPs for long-term treatment was promising.
People also search for: dog cancer treatment options · cat chemotherapy side effects · vascular access ports for pets
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term function of vascular access ports (VAPs) implanted in the femoral vein of dogs and cats undergoing cancer treatment. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 3 dogs and 6 cats treated via chemotherapy or radiation. PROCEDURES: VAPs were surgically implanted in the left femoral vein of 3 dogs and 6 cats over a 1-year period. Injection port location was alternated to either a caudal thoracic or ilial location in each patient. Duration of VAP function, ease of infusion, and ease of aspiration through the VAPs were recorded, and associated complications were assessed at each VAP use. Client satisfaction with VAP placement was evaluated by use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Primary uses of the VAPs included blood sampling and delivering sedative or chemotherapeutic drugs. Median duration of successful infusion was 147 days (range, 60 to 370 days), and median duration of successful aspiration was 117 days (range, 10 to 271 days). The frequency of signs of VAP-related discomfort was low (7% of patient observations). Clients were satisfied with their decision to use VAPs. Complications included partial (n = 7) or complete (2) VAP occlusion, port migration (1), and presumptive infection (1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that VAP implantation into the femoral vein provides an acceptable means of chronic venous access in dogs and cats undergoing cancer treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17975994/