Which combination lists common venipuncture sites in dogs?

• A. Jugular Vein, Cephalic Vein, Saphenous Vein
• B. Carotid Artery and Jugular Vein
• C. Jugular Vein, Cephalic Vein, Lateral Saphenous Vein
• D. Femoral Artery and Jugular Vein

Answer: (C)

The key idea is identifying the veins veterinarians most commonly use to draw blood in dogs. The jugular vein, cephalic vein, and lateral saphenous vein are the go-to sites because they are readily accessible in different positions and allow sampling in varying volumes. The jugular vein is ideal for larger volumes and catheter placement, though it requires more restraint and access to the neck. The cephalic vein along the forelimb is convenient for smaller samples and is easy to access when the dog is standing or sitting. The lateral saphenous vein along the outer hind leg is handy when the dog is standing or in lateral recumbency and for moderate volumes.

Options that rely on arteries (such as the carotid or femoral arteries) involve arterial puncture, which is riskier and not used for routine venipuncture. An option that mentions only “saphenous vein” without specifying the lateral variant can be ambiguous, since dogs have both medial and lateral saphenous veins; the standard list uses the explicit lateral saphenous site. That’s why the combination of jugular, cephalic, and lateral saphenous veins is the best answer.