Which of the following is NOT a common site for IV administration in small animals?

The carotid artery is not a common site for intravenous (IV) administration in small animals. Typically, IV injections rely on accessing veins rather than arteries, as veins carry blood back to the heart and are less likely to cause immediate adverse reactions such as bleeding or hematoma formation when punctured. The carotid artery is a major artery that supplies blood to the brain, and accessing it for IV administration could be hazardous, leading to serious complications, including significant blood loss or stroke.

In contrast, the jugular vein, lateral saphenous vein, and phallic vein are all considered safe and common sites for IV administration in small animals. The jugular vein is a large, easily accessible vein in the neck, often used for fluid therapy and injections. The lateral saphenous vein is located on the hind leg and is frequently used in smaller breeds or when jugular access is difficult. The phallic vein, less common but still acceptable, can be accessed for IV administration in certain situations. Thus, the carotid artery stands out as the least appropriate choice for this purpose.