Neck or Leg for Drawing Blood

[alimel]

Our old vet used to take blood from our dog's paw, however our new vet takes it from the neck. We had a bad experience with Buddy recently with them hitting a nerve in his neck. What is the difference? What is the best way to draw blood in your opinion? Is one way better than another?

[SalemWitchChild]

I've always saw it in the leg as well. Personally I would prefer that. But I guess in the leg the veins are also probably smaller.

[Maliraptor]

Depends 100% on the dog.

Also depends on the veins in the neck, and the veins in the leg. Also how much blood is needed, and if the dog already has an IV catheter in the leg.

[Maliraptor]

Originally Posted by SalemWitchChild

I've always saw it in the leg as well. Personally I would prefer that. But I guess in the leg the veins are also probably smaller.

They are, and more prone to collapse or blowing- and if your pet is sick and has the possibility of needed an IV catheter, you're now down to just one leg to put it in!

[weezyNollie]

We sometimes draw blood from back leg too. Leave the front legs available if needed for IVC, but some dogs don't handle restraint well and won't allow us to draw from the jugular (which is the vein in the neck).

The jugular is the largest vein to draw from and if you need a decent amount would the most ideal.

[Cearbhaill]

I prefer having it done in a back leg (right near the hock) for smaller amounts. My dogs are always available as donor dogs too and then they use the neck.

[Maliraptor]

Yep, mine too, and thats one **** of a needle!

[bdrcol22]

As a former vet tech, I much prefer drawing from the jugular. Especially if you need a large amount of blood. It is a bigger target and has higher pressure. I find that most dogs are actually better about that draw then anywhere else. However, most vets won't do that draw infront of the owner because it looks scary. So, if they bring your dog to the back, chances are, that is where they are drawing. We would typically save legs as a last resort. Especially if the pet is sick. We don't want to destroy our sites for IVF if needed. It is pretty easy to teach a dog to site for a neck draw, and I can actually draw my dogs myself. I have found that many dogs are more opposed to you handeling their feet and restraining their legs.

[Cearbhaill]

My dogs sit very well for a neck draw.

The only time one ever complained was when a tech decided her head needed to be held in a vise grip during the procedure. I explained to her that sometimes a finger worked better than a fist- all you had to do was keep a light touch on her muzzle.
She thanked me for the tip and I think she learned something that day. Restraint is best accomplished by using only as much and as little as is required. Dogs aren't always objecting to the procedure as much as they are objecting to excessive restraint.

I am always with my dogs no matter what is being done to them- that is a deal breaker for me. I am experienced at restraint and always assume the correct position no matter how much or little pressure I am actually using- mostly it is to show that I am willing to control my dogs as they are pretty tractable. With giant dogs it helps the vet/tech feel more secure about going about their business doing whatever.

[Dobified]

I would be too nervous to take form the juglar... just me though. If I had to take blood I would take it from the leg but my dogs have short hair and that vein is easily found for me.