Lymphonodi cervicales superficiales
The prescapular or superficial cervical lymph nodes (typically one to three nodes) are located cranial to the shoulder joint at the cranial border of the scapula, deep to the brachiocephalicus muscle. They are the major draining nodes for the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the neck, shoulder, forelimb, and cranial thorax. They are routinely palpated during physical examination by pressing firmly cranial to the point of the shoulder. Enlargement beyond approximately 5 cm, asymmetry, pain, or fixation to surrounding tissues warrants further investigation with fine-needle aspiration or biopsy.
Enlargement can indicate infection, inflammation, or neoplasia. They are important in the evaluation of fever of unknown origin and systemic disease.
Bacterial infection causing external abscesses, most commonly in the pectoral and ventral abdominal regions but may involve prescapular and other peripheral lymph nodes. Named 'pigeon fever' because p
## Overview Reactive lymphadenopathy is non-specific enlargement of lymph nodes in response to regional infection, inflammation, or vaccination. The prescapular node commonly reacts to forelimb wound
## Overview Cutaneous lymphosarcoma is a malignant tumor of lymphocytes that primarily involves the skin. It is the most common external form of lymphoma in horses and presents as multiple firm nodul
Swollen or painful nodes in front of the shoulder should be evaluated, especially with fever or other systemic signs.
Bacterial infection causing external abscesses, most commonly in the pectoral and ventral abdominal regions but may involve prescapular and other peripheral lymph nodes. Named 'pigeon fever' because pectoral swelling resembles a pigeon's breast. Endemic in dry, warm climates. Signs include: Large, painful subcutaneous abscesses (pectoral region most common); fever; lameness if limb involvement; lethargy; internal form causes abscesses in liver, lungs, kidneys (much higher mortality)
## Overview Reactive lymphadenopathy is non-specific enlargement of lymph nodes in response to regional infection, inflammation, or vaccination. The prescapular node commonly reacts to forelimb wounds. Nodes are enlarged, firm, and sometimes painful or warm, and they resolve when the primary cause is treated. ## Causes Drainage from a nearby infection or inflammatory stimulus. ## Diagnosis Palpation of enlarged nodes and identification of the primary site. ## Treatment Treat the underlying wound or infection. The nodes themselves usually need no direct therapy. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent once the primary problem resolves. ## Prevention Prompt wound care. Signs include: enlarged firm sometimes painful lymph node; may be warm; associated regional wound or infection; resolves with treatment of the primary cause
## Overview Cutaneous lymphosarcoma is a malignant tumor of lymphocytes that primarily involves the skin. It is the most common external form of lymphoma in horses and presents as multiple firm nodules. The cutaneous form generally carries a better prognosis than internal forms and may respond to corticosteroid therapy for extended periods. ## Causes Unknown. Immune dysregulation is suspected; no definitive viral cause has been established in horses. It is not contagious. ## Diagnosis Biopsy and histopathology of skin nodules confirm the diagnosis. Staging evaluates for internal involvement. ## Treatment Corticosteroids often induce partial or complete remission of skin lesions. Chemotherapy protocols are used in some cases. Supportive care maintains quality of life. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to fair for the cutaneous-only form; survival of one to several years is possible. Internal involvement worsens the outlook substantially. ## Prevention None. Signs include: multiple firm skin nodules; variable size; possible ulceration; weight loss or other systemic signs if internal disease is present
Enlargement can indicate infection, inflammation, or neoplasia. They are important in the evaluation of fever of unknown origin and systemic disease.
Swollen or painful nodes in front of the shoulder should be evaluated, especially with fever or other systemic signs.
See the Prescapular (Superficial Cervical) Lymph Nodes on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model