My elderly cat has thyroid problems which has been treated by my vets and we have managed to keep it under control.
About two months ago she had to go and get her thyroid levels checked.
When I got her home I noticed that her neck was swollen. I took her back down to the vets the next day and was told that she had had a reaction to the blood test. The vet or nurse who was on that day decided to take a blood sample from her neck.

When I asked why they had done this instead of taking blood from her leg as usual, I was told that some vets prefer to take blood from their neck. I have never had this done to any of my other cats. Since them she has had a swollen neck which has now started to cause her to choke . She is on antibiotics plus steroids and I,m afraid it,s getting worse. She wants to eat but is choking it is so upsetting to see this. I,m taking her down to the vets tomorrow and I dont expect to bring her home.

They are good vets, very expensive, but I dont mind paying if they help my animals. But this has made me upset and angry. I want to know why it was done this way and who did it. I dont want to fall out with them so how do I go about letting them know how I feel and that I dont want this to happen to any other animal.

Sometimes they take the blood from the neck as they cant raise a vein in the leg. If she has had lots of blood tests or needs sedating before blood is taken this can be the cause. It is a routine thing to take blood from the neck and so it is very rare to have a reaction like you are describing. I think this will be just one of these unfortunate things and I am sorry to hear that it is happening to you and your cat. Big hugs to you and I hope the vets are able to help you cat tomorrow xxxxx

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My dogs have blood taken regularly as two of them are hypothyroid and that is always done from the neck. I have never had any problems. You are well within your rights to an enquiry, in fact personally I think I would be seeking a second opinion. Ive never heard of or had a reaction with any of my dogs.
In fact Im wondering if its more that the procedure was done incorrectly then an actual reaction to be honest.

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I hope your kitty is all right.

Em xxxxxx

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My cat also has a thyroid problem -he is 17and my vet has been fantasic taking the blood from his LEG!

Please do not take too much notice of this - and perhaps I am miles OFf track - but those of you that know could this (the OP's problem) be down to hygeine or a dirty needle perhaps?

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Ive found the procedure that should have been carried out online, so OP perhaps you can ask them how the procedure is done, preferably from the person who carrried it out, and compare.

Sample quality is of enormous importance in the successful application of biochemistry and haematology. Good venipuncture technique is therefore essential. The widespread practice of venipuncture from peripheral veins, such as the cephalic and saphenous, is often detrimental since flow from these veins into the needle can be slow and lead to sample artefacts such as haemolysis and microclots. Sampling from the jugular vein is the preferred method since this usually produces rapid, unobstructed flow of blood into the syringe or vacutainer. The technique is simple and can be used with ease in all but the most obstreperous pets.
JUGULAR SAMPLING FROM CATS Use 21 or 20 g X 1 /2-1 inch needles with 5-10 ml syringe attached. Clip the hair over one jugular groove and aseptically prepare the skin over the jugular vein. Position the cat towards the edge of the surgery table. Hold the front legs down over the edge with your left hand, and with your right hand tip the neck backwards and the nose upwards. The front legs and neck up to the point of the mandible should then be in a vertical plane. The blood sampler takes up a position in front of the cat and holds off one jugular vein by compressing the jugular groove. The needle is then inserted into the vein with the tip pointing upwards. As soon as the tip of the needle enters the lumen of the vein gentle suction should be applied.ve actually found the procedure on line.

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Also found this link too, that may be of interest.

A Cat's Blood Draw

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Sorry to hear this has happened to your poor cat.

All my cats' blood tests have been taken in this manner and apart from minor bruising with one, have never suffered a reaction like the one you describe.

Has she been on antibiotics and steroids all this time? When did the choking start? I like to know more about the 'reaction' the vets are talking about because this sounds to me like it could well be an abscess. She may well need further treatment.

I think you're perfectly justified to be upset and angry and in your position I would register a complaint with the Head Vet. I would in fact make an appointment to see her/him with your cat. Honestly I wouldn't be too concerned about upsetting them as I don't think I would be returning! I also think they should fund any further treatment necessary to remedy the situation.

Hope she recovers really soon!

Over a period of about fours years, my last cat Molly was treated for Hyperthyroidism, and regularly had blood tests (due to her being awkward and needing to adjust her medication far more than is normally necessary )

All these were taken from her neck, it was very rare for anything to be taken from her leg. Obviously, I never had any issues as you are describing, but please don't think that this way of blood sampling is unusual for this condition, as it isn't.

As suggested above, please ask to see the head vet and discuss your concerns and options fully - do not let them fob you off - make sure you are happy before you leave the surgery.

Wishing you and your kitty all the very best.

Hope everything goes well today x