Surgical treatment of septic jugular thrombophlebitis in nine horses.

OBJECTIVE To report a technique for surgical treatment of septic jugular thrombophlebitis unresponsive to medical treatment. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Horses (n=9) with septic jugular thrombophlebitis unresponsive to medical treatment. METHODS Jugular vein thrombectomy was performed under standing sedation and local anesthesia. The contents of the affected portion of vein were removed by multiple incisions in the vein, with the incisions left open to drain and heal by second intention. RESULTS The technique was curative in all instances, although 2 horses required a 2nd procedure. One horse required ligation of the linguofacial vein to control postsurgical hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS The technique is an effective surgical treatment for septic jugular thrombophlebitis unresponsive to medical treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Jugular vein thrombectomy is a straightforward technique, and has minimal postoperative complications. It allows expedient and cost-effective resolution of medically recalcitrant cases of septic jugular thrombophlebitis.