Ultrasonographic assessment of normal jugular veins in Standardbred horses.
Authors: Pasolini Maria Pia, Spinella Giuseppe, Del Prete Chiara, Valentini Simona, Coluccia Pierpaolo, Auletta Luigi, Greco Michele, Meomartino Leonardo
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Ultrasonographic assessment of normal jugular veins in Standardbred horses Establishing reliable reference values for jugular vein ultrasonography is essential for practitioners to distinguish normal anatomy from pathological changes associated with thrombosis, infection, or other vascular compromise. This prospective study measured jugular vein diameter and wall thickness at three cervical sites in 42 healthy Italian Standardbreds (mean bodyweight 494.4 ± 41.7 kg, age range 3–22 years) using B-mode ultrasound with manual vein distension, then correlated findings with morphometric variables including age, sex, and body dimensions. The researchers found measurable variations in vein dimensions across different neck sites and identified significant relationships between the horses' physical characteristics and ultrasound parameters, though specific diameter and thickness values were not highlighted in the abstract. These reference data provide a foundation for interpreting jugular vein scans in clinical practice, allowing practitioners to recognise when vascular changes warrant further investigation or intervention; the established correlations with body morphometrics may also help contextualise findings in individual horses rather than applying single population-based standards universally.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Establish reference values for jugular vein ultrasonography in Standardbred horses to improve detection of pathological changes during clinical examination
- •Account for age, sex, body weight, and measurement location when interpreting jugular vein ultrasound findings to avoid misdiagnosis
- •Use manual vein distension and standardized three-site protocol for consistent and comparable jugular vein assessments
Key Findings
- •B-mode ultrasonographic measurements of manually distended jugular veins were successfully obtained at three neck sites in 42 healthy Italian Standardbreds
- •Ultrasound measurements of jugular vein diameter and wall thickness showed correlations with animal morphometric characteristics
- •Significant differences in ultrasound parameters were identified based on age, gender, side of neck, and measurement site