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Jugular thrombophlebitis is inflammation and a blood clot in a horse's jugular vein, often caused by intravenous procedures like catheterization, irritating medications, or infection. Symptoms include a painful, warm, cord-like swelling in the neck, along with possible fever and depression. Diagnosis is confirmed by palpation and ultrasound to assess the clot and vein, while treatment involves anti-inflammatory measures, antibiotics for infection, and anticoagulants like clopidogrel or heparin. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]  

• Iatrogenic: Irritation from intravenous or peri-venous injections of irritating substances, long-term catheterization, or unskilled venipuncture. [1, 2]  
• Infection: Bacteria can cause septic thrombophlebitis. [1, 7, 8]  
• Hypercoagulable states: Conditions like endotoxemia or other systemic inflammatory diseases can increase clot risk. [1, 9, 10]  

• Swelling: A firm, cord-like, enlarged jugular vein in the neck. [1, 11]  
• Pain: The area is painful to the touch. [1, 3]  
• Heat: The affected area may feel warm. [3]  
• Systemic signs: Fever, depression, and lack of appetite can occur. [1]  
• Severe cases: Bilateral (both-sided) involvement can lead to swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, potentially causing difficulty breathing and swallowing. [11]  

• Physical examination: Palpation of a painful, firm, cord-like swelling in the jugular groove. [1, 3, 11]  
• Ultrasonography: This non-invasive imaging method assesses the extent of the thrombus, blood flow, and can identify abscesses or infection. [7, 11]  

• Local therapy: Hot packs and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) applied to the swollen vein can reduce inflammation. [4]  
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac can be used to decrease pain and inflammation. [4, 5]  
• Anticoagulants: Drugs such as clopidogrel or heparin are used to prevent clot propagation and promote recanalization. [5, 6]  
• Antibiotics: These are necessary to treat any underlying or concurrent bacterial infections. [7, 12]  

• Good prognosis: Horses with catheter-associated thrombophlebitis often have a good prognosis for life and future performance, with veins often reopening over time. 
• Guarded to poor: Horses with large vessel thrombosis secondary to severe underlying diseases like sepsis have a much more guarded prognosis.