Congenital venous aneurysm of the right external jugular vein in a great dane

Abstract

An 11-month-old entire female great dane was presented for a painless swelling on the ventral right side of its neck. Fine needle aspiration of the mass revealed the presence of blood. Ultrasonographic examination revealed an anechoic subcutaneous tubular structure consistent with a jugular aneurysm. Surgery consisted in ligature of the right external jugular vein and excision of the aneurysm. No intraoperative complication occurred. Jugular aneurysm has been rarely reported in dogs. Venous aneurysms may be the result of several processes including tumours, inflammation, trauma, or may appear spontaneously or congenitally. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice due to the risk of thrombosis or possible rupture.