Equine Peripheral Vascular Disease Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in horses encompasses a spectrum of conditions affecting arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels outside the heart. These conditions range from life-threatening emergencies like aorto-iliac thrombosis to common iatrogenic complications such as jugular thrombophlebitis. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of PVD is essential for equine practitioners and represents a specific NAVLE competency domain under Equine Cardiovascular Disease.

Peripheral vascular disease significantly impacts equine health across multiple disciplines, from performance horses developing exercise-induced hindlimb lameness to hospitalized patients with catheter-related complications. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are critical for successful outcomes.

Arterial Disease

Aorto-Iliac Thrombosis (AIT)

Definition and Pathophysiology

Aorto-iliac thrombosis (AIT) is a progressive vascular disease characterized by thrombus formation in the terminal aorta or iliac arteries, causing partial or complete occlusion of blood flow to the hindlimbs. The condition is analogous to "intermittent claudication" in humans and "saddle thrombus" in cats.