Which vein is commonly used for blood collection in dogs?

The cephalic vein is commonly used for blood collection in dogs due to its accessibility and relatively superficial location. This vein runs along the foreleg and is easily palpated, which makes it an ideal site for both venipuncture and catheter placement. The cephalic vein has a good size, allowing for the collection of adequate blood volume, which is important for various laboratory tests.

In contrast, while the basilic vein is also a possible site for blood collection, it is located deeper and may be less accessible than the cephalic vein. The radial vein is quite small and more difficult to locate in larger dogs, making it less favorable for blood collection. The femoral vein, though a larger vessel, is primarily used in more invasive procedures or in situations where other sites are not available, as accessing it may require specific positioning of the dog and more technical skill. Thus, the cephalic vein stands out as the preferred choice among these options for routine blood collection in dogs.