A pain in the neck: Discospondylitis and septic thrombophlebitis

The case report in this issue by Payette and colleagues highlights a few interesting topics and gives us the opportunity to discuss clinical signs associated with neck pain and strategies to prevent septic and nonseptic venous thrombosis in equine patients. The case illustrates the devastating consequences that septic thrombophlebitis can have on distant body systems, and in this commentary, we have highlighted several techniques that coupled with the selection of the appropriate intravenous catheter (IVC) and strategies aimed at reducing bacterial contamination of an IVC, can lead to a dramatic decrease in events of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis and a longer lifespan of the IVC. Furthermore, advances in diagnostic and management strategies for horses with neck disorders continue to provide clinicians with options for complicated cases that previously may have been unthinkable.