OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Jugular Vein Thrombosis
Synonyms: Thrombophlebitis
Summary
The jugular vein is the most frequent site of intravenous injection and catheter placement in the horse.
The most common cause of clotting of the jugular vein is irritation and clot formation from an intravenous catheter. Horses that are very systemically ill are much more likely to have this complication. It is especially common in horses that have intestinal inflammation (colitis and enteritis). Horses that are very ill post-colic surgery are also at higher risk for this problem.
Horses can live a normal life with only one jugular vein. Most even survive loss of both jugulars. The jugular vein is the main avenue for return of blood to the heart from the head. When a horse loses its jugular vein, the head swells transiently because of back pressure in the vessels from the "damming effect" of the clot. Horses that lose both jugular veins may have chronically swollen heads.
The most common cause of clotting of the jugular vein is irritation and clot formation from an intravenous catheter. Horses that are very systemically ill are much more likely to have this complication. It is especially common in horses that have intestinal inflammation (colitis and enteritis). Horses that are very ill post-colic surgery are also at higher risk for this problem.
Horses can live a normal life with only one jugular vein. Most even survive loss of both jugulars. The jugular vein is the main avenue for return of blood to the heart from the head. When a horse loses its jugular vein, the head swells transiently because of back pressure in the vessels from the "damming effect" of the clot. Horses that lose both jugular veins may have chronically swollen heads.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis for life is generally good with loss of a jugular vein. However, this condition tends to accompany other life-threatening conditions. It can be one more complication leading to a poor outcome in horses undergoing intensive care for a variety of causes. Loss of jugular veins complicates ongoing intensive care and requires the use of other, harder to maintain veins for intravenous fluid and medication administration.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Skin Feels Warm or Hot, Heat in a Local Area
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Pain Response when Pressure Applied to An Area
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Fever, Rectal Temperature Greater than 101.5 (in Adult)
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Depressed, Dull, Sick or Lethargic
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Not Eating, Loss of Appetite, Not Hungry
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Veins on Face & Head are Very Defined
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Face or Head Seems Swollen or Enlarged
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Jugular Vein or Pulse Seems Over-Full in the Neck
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Jugular Vein Lost or Damaged
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Neck Swelling
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.