Ultrasonographic evaluation of the jugular vein of cows with catheter-related thrombophlebitis.

Thirty cows with an indwelling jugular catheter developed thrombophlebitis 72 hours after the insertion of the catheter. The animals with palpable changes of the jugular vein, were examined ultrasonographically to reveal the severity and extent of the thrombosis. Sixteen cows had mild to moderate thrombotic changes at the site of insertion or at the tip of the catheter, and in the other 14 cows the jugular vein was completely thrombosed, from 7 to 20 cm. Catheter-related damage to the intima, chemical damage by irritating medications and reduced host resistance attributable to the underlying illness were thought to be possible causes of the thrombophlebitis.