Dose large volumes with ease, with our tethered infusion systems for canines.

We'll guide you through the steps so that you can build the dog tethered infusion system that suits your animal, staff and study needs.

Tethered Infusion System for Dogs

In comparison to ambulatory studies, tethered infusion makes it easier to administer large volumes, and makes changing syringes and pump settings fast and simple. The basic dog tethered infusion configuration shown here covers a majority of protocols. We can help you customize for the catheter, catheter access, pumps and more based on:

  • Cage/Run Size
  • Volume & Flow Rate
  • Animal Weight
  • Long Term or Short Term Study
  • Intermittent or Continuous Infusion

To learn more about all options, keep reading, or reach out to our experienced staff for advice.

Build a Canine Tethered Infusion System

Your step-by-step guide to building a safe, effective infusion system for tethered dog studies.

Infusion Pumps

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Tethered infusion systems use a pump mounted outside of the cage so that the animal cannot reach it. This makes it easy to access the pump and make changes in the dosing solution or rate of administration. Since the pumps used for tethered studies are more flexible than ambulatory pumps, the choice is more about budget than it is about function.

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  • SAI 3D- This pump was designed for infusion studies and has the most flexible, functional design. Best for GLP studies, including large scale infusion protocols. Optional management software and maintenance plans.
  • CADD 6500- These pumps are great for ambulatory studies, too. Since this pump uses medication cassettes instead of syringes, it's possible to connect them to large volume medication bags.
  • Refurbished Baxter AS50- This infusion pump is a workhorse, and has much of the functionality of the SAI 3D pump. While the cost is lower, these units are only available refurbished, and they cannot be controlled with software.

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Need to increase capacity without adding to your capital budget? SAI offers a variety of pumps for rent.

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Using your pumps properly and keeping them in good working order are essential for successful studies. We offer pump repairs and calibration for a variety of pumps, including the CADD 6500.

For GLP studies, data management is made easy with our software. The SAI 3D Programmable Pump works with Axios software. The 3D Mini and Micro BT pumps can be managed and controlled with proprietary software from SAI.

Jackets

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The right jacket ensures animal safety and comfort. For dogs, a comfortable and protective jacket is important, but it's also important to make sure that the lines can feed through the tether easily and that everything is well adapted to the cage or run.

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  • Lightweight, breathable mesh
  • Sizes from less than 2kg to 25kg
  • Optional clips for collar integration
  • Leg straps can be added for extra security
  • Sizing for dogs and hounds

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  • Stainless Steel Tethers connect between the jacket and the swivel.
  • Available in three standard diameters
  • Lengths from 2-5ft with custom options available
  • Allows freedom of movement while protecting the catheter(s).
  • The Tether End Plate is integrated directly into the jacket and provides a strong base of support for the swivel connection.

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  • Large Animal Swivels are available in high impact plastic or stainless steel.
  • Options include single, dual and triple channel configurations
  • 16-20 gauge connections- sizing depends on the type of tubing being used and the total number of fluid

Catheter Placement

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For canine infusion studies, the most common implant site is the jugular vein, but this depends on both the study needs and the surgeon preference. We offer the widest range of catheter options, and can customize the catheter to suit your needs.

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  • Biocompatible catheters are made from PU or Silicone.
  • Sizes from 3-7 Fr, or custom options available
  • Optional suture beads
  • Optional female luer attachment
  • Ideal for: the jugular vein is relatively easy to access and is ideal for infusion studies. Our range of catheter diameters, lengths and materials make it easy to customize based on your study needs.  

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  • Silicone and polyurethane options are available.
  • Standard sizes from 3-7 Fr, or custom options available
  • All catheters can be customized to fit your species, strain and size requirements.
  • Ideal for: Blood collection or infusion. While the jugular vein is easy to access, it can be prone to kinking due to position of the head and neck. The femoral implant is less affected by positional issues.

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We offer a wide range of standard and customizable catheters for dogs, including:

Externalization

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How to externalize the catheter is an important, but challenging decision. The most common options include Vascular Access Ports (VAPs) or a luer hub on an externalized catheter. Miniaturized Catheter Access Ports are also growing in popularity for large animals after being originally developed for rodents.

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VAPs or Vascular Access Ports are designed to permit repeated access to the vascular system with minimal pain and distress.  

  • Three options available with varying sizes, shapes and securing options
  • VAPs are situated under the skin
  • A non-coring (Huber) needle is required to access the VAP without causing damage
  • Ideal for: Long term studies with intermittent access, especially if there are several days between access. VAPs are also perfect for studies that require group housing; since the port sits below the skin, it is protected from damage.

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Luer Injection Valves (LIV) can be connected to an externalized catheter for quick, clean, easy access.

  • Minimal added volume
  • Hubs are easy to swab for clean access
  • No special tools or needle sticks required
  • Ideal for: Shorter term studies. The catheter externalizes outside of the body and this makes it more vulnerable than a VAP. However, externalized catheters can be easier to use for repeated access studies, even if they are long term, since they can be easily accessed with a standard syringe. Keep in mind that LIVs can be harder to keep clean and secure.

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Catheter Access Buttons™ are halfway between a VAP and an externalized catheter. The catheter connection sits beneath the skin, but the access port is externalized.  

  • 1, 2 and 3 port options available
  • SAI buttons incorporate CannuLock™ technology for the most secure catheter connection
  • Ingrowth cuff promotes fast healing with low incidence of seromas
  • Ideal for: Repeated access studies, or animals that are needle-shy. CABs can work for short or long term studies and for repeated or intermittent access. However, since these were developed for rodents, the tubing diameter can be too small for high flow or high viscosity solutions.

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The tubing and connectors used in an infusion study might seem like an afterthought, but it's an integral part of the system. We offer options in varying materials so that you can find tubing that is compatible with your compound. Lengths and fittings can be customized for clean and easy connections between the catheter, tether, swivel and pumps.

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  • Micro Flow and High Flow options are available.
  • Lengths from 4" to 60" available, or custom order to suit your system
  • Light shielding tubing option for photosensitive compounds
  • Luer attachment or press fit styles
  • Note: With a tethered system, it's important to chose tubing that is compatible with the stainless steel tether. Some connectors are too large to fit through the inner diameter.

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  • These fluid lines are sized to friction fit with the swivel gauge pin.
  • The opposite connection end terminates with a female luer to connect to any syringe.
  • Standard sizes from 17-25 Gauge
  • Standard Lengths from 12-60"
  • All tubing can be customized to fit your infusion system

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Tubing can be made more funtional with caps, connectors and ports:

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