Incidence of arterial catheter complications: a retrospective study of 35 cats (2010–2014)

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of complications associated with arterial catheterization in cats in a veterinary hospital, and to document which factors may increase the incidence of complications. Methods Medical records at a referral veterinary hospital were retrospectively reviewed to identify cats that had an arterial catheter placed between January 2010 and October 2014. Results Thirty-five cats having 38 arterial catheters were included in the study. There was a relatively high incidence of minor complications (23.7%), with the most common being catheter occlusion. The incidence of major arterial catheter complications was low (2.63%). Duration of catheter use was positively correlated to the incidence of complications. There was also a significant correlation between catheters used for intensive care unit monitoring and incidence of complications. All cats with catheter complications survived to discharge. Conclusions and relevance The low incidence of major arterial catheter complications in this population of cats illustrates that arterial catheterization is a safe monitoring and diagnostic tool. The duration of catheter placement is significantly associated with the incidence of catheter complications.