Background: Use of real-time imaging with near-infrared (NIR) light technology to assist with gaining vascular access in humans is increasingly common. There is a lack of research on the NIR imaging modality in animals.

Hypothesis/objectives: To assess the feasibility of NIR vessel finding technology at vascular sites in a cohort of dogs, between shaved and unshaved fur, and under conditions of vasoconstriction.

Animals: 6 healthy, adult dogs (three beagles, three hounds) in a university teaching colony.

Methods: 5 peripheral vascular sites were imaged before and after shaving. Images were scored based on the following criteria: not feasible (0), feasible (1), helpful but not feasible as sole guidance (2). Each vascular site was re-imaged after intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine.

Results: The left medial saphenous, right cephalic, and right lateral saphenous veins were the most feasibly identified vessels (18/18, 17/18, and 15/18, respectively). The effects of dexmedetomidine administration (p = 0.5 at 20 cm; p = 0.78 at 26 cm) and fur color (p = 0.25 at 20 cm; p = 0.50 at 26 cm) on the feasibility of vessel imaging were not statistically significant. However, a significant difference between shaved and unshaved areas was identified when directly compared at 20 cm (p = 0.04). The external jugular vein was less reliably identified (6/18 and 5/18 in sternal and lateral recumbency, respectively), and the left femoral artery was not identified (0/18).

Conclusions and clinical importance: Use of NIR imaging for identification of superficial, peripheral veins is feasible in healthy beagles and hounds, regardless of shaving and administration of dexmedetomidine. This technology could be useful in other clinical scenarios.

Bowden S, Johnson J, Pierce KV. Feasibility of Near-Infrared Image Guided Vascular Identification and Access in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2025 May-Jun;39(3):e70043. doi: 10.1111/jvim.70043. PMID: 40375554; PMCID: PMC12081829.