ABSTRACT
Jugular veins distend when pressure within rises. The jugular veins are normally not distended when the animal is standing with its head in a normal position and its jaw parallel to the floor. Persistent jugular vein distension when the head is erect is most often associated with R-CHF (187, 188). Lesions that obstruct venous flow from the external jugular veins to the heart are less commonly responsible (Table 31). Because of the effects of gravity, jugular veins
Table 31 Causes of jugular vein distension/pulsation.
