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Venous Air Embolism in a Horse After Jugular Venous Catheterization: Echocardiographic Diagnosis.
Abstract: A Quarter Horse mare was presented with a history of imidocarb intoxication. During the initial evaluation, the patient presented an initial episode of syncope, in addition to a Grade III/IV diastolic murmur. On the basis of the observed condition, the animal underwent echocardiographic evaluation, in which artifacts were detected and subsequently characterized as air bubbles, restricted to the right cardiac chambers. A diagnosis of venous air embolism resulting from right jugular venocatheterization was made. This is the first reported case of venous air embolism secondary to jugular venocatheterization diagnosed by means of transthoracic echocardiography in a horse.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2025-12-16 PubMed ID: 41399167DOI: 10.1111/vru.70123Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
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Summary
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Venous air embolism was diagnosed in a horse after jugular vein catheterization using echocardiography, marking the first such report in equine medicine. The embolism was identified as air bubbles localized in the right heart chambers following catheter placement.
Case Presentation and Background
- A Quarter Horse mare was presented with a history of intoxication due to imidocarb, a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections.
- During initial examination, the mare experienced syncope (a temporary loss of consciousness) and exhibited a Grade III/IV diastolic heart murmur, indicating abnormal heart sounds during the filling phase of the heart cycle.
Diagnostic Procedures
- The horse underwent transthoracic echocardiography (an ultrasound-based imaging technique of the heart performed through the chest wall) to evaluate cardiac structure and function due to the noted clinical signs and murmur.
- Echocardiographic images revealed artifacts that were identified as air bubbles within the right side of the heart, specifically confined to the right cardiac chambers.
- This observation was critical because air in the venous system is abnormal and can cause embolism by obstructing blood flow.
Diagnosis and Significance
- The presence of air bubbles was diagnosed as venous air embolism, which is the entrance of air into the venous bloodstream that can travel to the heart and lungs.
- The air embolism was linked specifically to the right jugular venous catheterization procedure, a common practice for intravenous access in horses but with the potential risk of introducing air if not properly managed.
- This report is notable because it is the first documented case of venous air embolism following jugular venous catheterization in a horse diagnosed using transthoracic echocardiography.
- The study highlights the utility of echocardiography as a diagnostic tool for detecting adverse events related to catheterization in equine patients.
Clinical Implications and Recommendations
- Veterinarians should be cautious of the risk of air embolism when performing jugular vein catheterizations in horses, ensuring careful technique to prevent air entry.
- Echocardiography can be an effective, non-invasive method for early detection of air embolism, allowing prompt recognition and potential management of this complication.
- This case emphasizes the importance of vigilance for syncope and new heart murmurs following catheter placement as possible signs of embolic complications.
Cite This Article
APA
(2025).
Venous Air Embolism in a Horse After Jugular Venous Catheterization: Echocardiographic Diagnosis.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 67(1), e70123.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.70123 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Embolism, Air / veterinary
- Embolism, Air / diagnostic imaging
- Embolism, Air / etiology
- Jugular Veins
- Female
- Echocardiography / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
- Catheterization, Central Venous / veterinary
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