Fig. 1. Ultrasound image of a normal, distended jugular vein shows a thin wall and relatively echolucent blood within in the lumen. Adjacent anatomic structures include the carotid artery, esophagus, and trachea.
ily, but commonly available linear rectal probes can also be used. Scanning of the jugular vein may involve simply wetting the skin and hair on the neck with isopropyl (or similar) alcohol in horses with a thin hair coat. In those patients with thicker hair coats, or those in which best clarity and detail of
image is desired, clipping the hair along the jugular groove from the mandible to the thoracic inlet might be necessary. Application of ultrasound contact gel may facilitate best contact of the probe with the skin along the jugular groove. The examination is per- formed by occluding the jugular vein with pressure
Fig. 2. Ultrasound image of a normal, occluded jugular vein with swirling echogenicity of the static blood within the lumen. 204 2013 Vol. 59 AAEP PROCEEDINGS
