Contrasting Views: Use of Auricular Vessels for Venipuncture and Catheterization in Rabbits

摘要

The use of the auricular vessels in rabbits is somewhat controversial, as there are reports of vessel damage and pinna necrosis secondary to use of these vessels, for either phlebotomy or injection of fluids and/ or therapeutic agents. A number of well known exotic mammal references mention necrosis as a possible complication but are far from agreement. One lists 'Venipuncture" in general as risky; one sites that phlebotomy of the central auricular artery carries risk but catheterization of the marginal vein is acceptable; the third cautions against catheterization of the marginal vein. None of these sources provides documentation of risk, indicating reports may be anecdotal only. Therefore, complication rate and actual risk is likely unknown.