CLINICAL - Thoracocentesis

Question 1

What are the landmarks for a thoracocentesis?

Answer 1

The right and left sides of the animal, at the dorsal and ventral thirds of the 8th intercostal space

Question 2

What equipment do you need for a thoracocentesis?

Answer 2

20 gauge butterfly catheter
Three-way tap
20-50ml syring

Question 3

Describe how to carry out a thoracocentesis

Answer 3

1. Attach syringe to the three way tap and attach the three way tap to the butterfly catheter. Make sure the three way tap is closed off to the patient
2. Place your finger in the centre of the intercostal groove and hold it there
3. Insert the needle just above the tip of your finger, perpendicular to the chest wall, with the bevel facing caudally
4. When the pleural space is penetrated, flatten the needle cranially so it is parallel to the chest wall, with the bevel of the needle facing downwards into the thorax
5. Open the three way tap to the patient and the syringe, and suction with the syringe
6. If productive, close the three way tap to the patient and open it to the atmosphere so the contents of the syrimge can be expelled
7. Tap both dorsally and ventrally on the left and right side of the patient