Question

The veterinarian has instructed the veterinary technician to administer doxorubicin to a 6 year old golden retriever. The technician places a 22 gauge intravenous catheter on the first attempt and administers the drug. About 24 hours later, the patient returns to the hospital for redness and swelling in the leg where the drug was given. What most likely caused this reaction?

Answer 1

The most likely cause of the redness and swelling in the dog's leg after administering doxorubicin is an infiltration reaction. Veterinary technicians should monitor the catheter insertion site carefully.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely cause of the redness and swelling in the dog's leg after administering doxorubicin is an infiltration reaction. An infiltration reaction occurs when a drug or fluid leaks out of the blood vessel and into the surrounding tissue during intravenous administration. In this case, it is possible that the drug leaked out of the vein and caused irritation in the leg.

It is important for veterinary technicians to carefully monitor the catheter insertion site during and after drug administration to detect any signs of infiltration. If infiltration is suspected, the catheter should be removed, and appropriate treatment should be provided to alleviate the symptoms.

In rare cases, doxorubicin itself can cause local tissue damage and inflammation. This is why careful monitoring and immediate action in case of any adverse reactions are crucial during drug administration.