Prevalence of and risk factors for intravenous catheter infection in hospitalized cattle, goats, and sheep

Background Intravenous catheter (IVC) use in hospitalized ruminants is a common procedure. Limited information is available describing complications associated with IVCs. Hypotheses Prevalence of IVC infections in hospitalized ruminants is >50%. Intravenous catheters maintained for >5 days are more likely to be infected than those maintained for 4 days had a higher likelihood of being infected than those maintained for 4 days to reduce IVC infection.