Evaluation of Experimental Jugular Thrombophlebitis in Horses Treated With Heparin

Abstract

Jugular thrombophlebitis is a major vascular disease in horses and can lead even to death. Heparin is used to inhibit thrombus growth in humans. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate heparin administration in horses with induced thrombophlebitis. Ten animals were subjected to experimental thrombophlebitis and divided into a control group and heparin group (HG). The HG received heparin (150 IU/kg) for 10 days. Coagulation tests, ultrasound, and venography were performed before and after thrombophlebitis induction. Comparing the HG and control group, a break in the growth of the thrombus after the start of administration of the drug and a decrease in the length of the thrombus with the appearance of flow down the sides of the cranial portion of the thrombus were observed. However, after discontinuation of heparin, fast daily growth of the thrombus and decreased blood flow to the side were observed.

Use of saline contrast ultrasonography in the diagnosis of complete jugular vein occlusion in a horse

“…The description of the present clinical case shows that SCU is a valid tool to assess vessel patency and presence of collateral circulation in JVT. Twodimensional ultrasonography is useful in diagnosing JVTP and JVT and in monitoring the progression of the disease (Gardner et al, 1991;Borghesan et al, 2018). Vessel patency is usually assessed by venography and Doppler ultrasonography (Hussni et al, 2009;Borghesan et al, 2018).…”

“…Twodimensional ultrasonography is useful in diagnosing JVTP and JVT and in monitoring the progression of the disease (Gardner et al, 1991;Borghesan et al, 2018). Vessel patency is usually assessed by venography and Doppler ultrasonography (Hussni et al, 2009;Borghesan et al, 2018). However, venography requires repeated x-ray exposure and Doppler ultrasonography is highly operator and Fig.…”

“…10(3): 308-316 equipment-dependent. Furthermore, the Doppler color examination allows evaluating blood flow presence and direction only in small portions of the vessel at a time; therefore, when the thrombus is 15-44 cm long, as happens in the JVT of horses (Borghesan et al, 2018), it does not give a global view of the obstructed vessel. On the contrary, the SCU test allows a real distinction between total and http://www.openveterinaryjournal.com A.…”

“…On the contrary, JVT usually manifests with a firm and cord-like jugular vein not affected by pain, with facial venous distention and edema proximal to the thrombus site. Diagnosis of JVTP and JVT is usually achieved by ultrasonography and/or venography (Gardner et al, 1991;des Lions et al, 2008;Hussni et al, 2012;Pentelado and Correa, 2013;Schoster, 2017;Borghesan et al, 2018). The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and aims to reduce inflammation, prevent or treat any bacterial infection, prevent further thrombus formation, and/or dissolve an existing thrombus.…”

“…Whatever the treatment, the aim of the therapy is to recanalize the occluded vessel and reduce proximal venous congestion and edema. Doppler ultrasonography and venography have been used in both experimental and natural JVTP and JVT to assess vessel patency and monitor therapy (Gardner et al, 1991;Rijkenhuizen and Van Swieten, 1998;Hussni et al, 2006Hussni et al, , 2012des Lions et al, 2008;Borghesan et al, 2018). Nevertheless, ultrasonography alone is often unable to correctly assess vessel patency and detect the presence of compensatory collateral circulation (Hussni et al, 2012;Borghesan et al, 2018).…”