Partial aneurysmectomy and autologous patch venoplasty in a horse diagnosed with pseudoaneurysm of the jugular vein

Experience with vascular pathology and vascular surgery, especially with the use of grafts, is limited in horses. Only one case of a venous aneurysm has been described in the horse, but without successful surgical correction. This case report describes the treatment of a 3-year-old female pony presented with an intermittent localised swelling of the left jugular vein after a previous thrombophlebitis. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a large jugular vein pseudoaneurysm. Treatment consisted of a partial aneurysmectomy preserving the healthy medial wall of the jugular vein. An autologous saphenous vein patch technique was used to reconstruct the vein with the largest possible lumen to minimise thrombus formation. Anticoagulants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered pre- and post-operatively. Follow-up ultrasound examinations initially showed local narrowing of the graft. At 2 and 8 months post-operatively, no external deformation of the jugular vein was visible and ultrasonography revealed patent blood flow with only a slight difference in lumen diameter. The patch venoplasty proved a viable surgical technique for jugular vein reconstruction resulting in a sufficient lumen, no thrombus formation and a good cosmetic and functional outcome.