Which vein is used to collect blood from a cat when venous access in a dog is not feasible?

Which vein is used to collect blood from a cat when venous access in a dog is not feasible?

• A. Medial saphenous
• B. Jugular
• C. Lateral saphenous
• D. Cephalic

Answer: (A)

In cats, the site that is most practical for routine blood collection when other common sites are difficult is the medial saphenous vein on the inside of the hind limb. It lies just beneath the skin, is relatively superficial and easy to feel, so blood can be drawn with minimal restraint and stress. This vein typically provides reliable sample volumes for standard tests and is especially handy when jugular or forelimb (cephalic) access is challenging in a small or anxious cat. The lateral saphenous and jugular veins are more commonly used in dogs or in different situations in cats, but they can be harder to access or less reliable in some feline patients, making the medial saphenous a preferred option in these scenarios.

In cats, the site that is most practical for routine blood collection when other common sites are difficult is the medial saphenous vein on the inside of the hind limb. It lies just beneath the skin, is relatively superficial and easy to feel, so blood can be drawn with minimal restraint and stress. This vein typically provides reliable sample volumes for standard tests and is especially handy when jugular or forelimb (cephalic) access is challenging in a small or anxious cat. The lateral saphenous and jugular veins are more commonly used in dogs or in different situations in cats, but they can be harder to access or less reliable in some feline patients, making the medial saphenous a preferred option in these scenarios.