One thing I found interesting (being a nurse) was that the vet never had to stick a dog more than once to hit a vein. I have seen nurse’s try 4 or 5 times to get a vein. Plus the dog has hair on their legs. Vets should give instructions to nurse’s on how to hit a vein the first time...LOL
I can give sub-q and IM ok on smaller critters, but on the big stuff? It's good to have someone with experience around.
/johnny
My vet has to shave the Akita’s leg to get to the vein. This then becomes the dog’s hobby and he keeps it bald for a year by licking it constantly. None of the anti-lick compounds work, either.
I’m going to ask my vet about how he gets the vein on the first try. I’ve never seen a dog w/a hematoma from an IV. Never thought about it until you brought it up.