Suspected venous air embolism in a horse.
Authors: Bradbury L A, Archer D C, Dugdale A H A, Senior J M, Edwards G B
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary This 2005 case report documents a concerning complication arising from central venous access during colic management: a horse undergoing treatment for a ten-day caecal impaction accidentally dislodged its jugular catheter extension set, resulting in audible air aspiration into the jugular vein immediately prior to a second surgical intervention. Following re-anaesthesia and successful removal of the impaction via colon apex incision, the horse developed severe pruritus lasting approximately 12 hours post-operatively, clinical signs the authors attributed to venous air embolism rather than the primary surgical pathology or anaesthetic agents. Whilst venous air embolism is a recognised complication of central venous catheterisation in both human and equine medicine, this case is notable for the horse's survival and the delayed presentation of neurological signs (pruritus) rather than the acute cardiopulmonary collapse typically associated with larger air volumes. The findings underscore the critical importance of secure catheter fixation and vigilant monitoring during prolonged hospitalisation, particularly when animals are scheduled for repeated anaesthesia, and highlight that even small volumes of venous air may cause clinically significant sequelae in equine patients.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Secure jugular catheter extension sets carefully during medical treatment to prevent accidental dislodgement and subsequent venous air entry
- •Be aware that venous air embolism can occur during routine catheter management and may present with unexpected post-operative signs such as severe pruritus
- •Consider venous air embolism in the differential diagnosis when horses develop atypical agitation or pruritus following procedures involving jugular catheterization
Key Findings
- •A horse developed suspected venous air embolism after dislodging a jugular catheter extension set during treatment for caecal impaction
- •Air was observed being sucked into the jugular vein, followed by agitation and severe pruritus lasting 12 hours post-operatively
- •The clinical signs of pruritus were attributed to venous air embolism rather than other post-operative complications