Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
English bulldogs with missing jugular vein and heart valve narrowing
By Chapel, E H & Scansen, B A·Published in Journal of veterinary cardiology : the official journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology·2017·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Unilateral absence of an external jugular vein in two English bulldogs with pulmonary valve stenosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two English bulldogs were found to have a missing external jugular vein while being treated for severe heart problems called pulmonary valve stenosis. This condition can make it difficult for vets to place catheters during procedures. In one dog, the left jugular vein was absent, while in the other, the right jugular vein was missing. Vets used imaging tests like ultrasound and CT scans to identify these issues. Knowing about these vein anomalies can help ensure safer and more effective treatment for dogs with similar heart conditions.
People also search for: English bulldog heart problems · pulmonary valve stenosis treatment · missing jugular vein in dogs
Abstract
Two English bulldogs referred for interventional palliation of severe pulmonary valve stenosis were incidentally diagnosed with unilateral absence of an external jugular vein (left in one case, right in the other) by computed tomography and Doppler ultrasound. The right internal jugular vein also could not be visualized in the dog with absence of the left external jugular vein. Cervical venous anomalies can impact diagnostic or interventional venous catheterization procedures such as balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Additionally, absence of an external jugular vein may impact central venous catheter placement. Absence of an external jugular vein should be considered in dogs when the external jugular vein cannot be easily palpated. Ultrasound or computed tomography may help identify jugular venous anatomy and confirm anomalies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28274588/