Unilateral absence of an external jugular vein in two English bulldogs with pulmonary valve stenosis.

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.