Lymphonodi cervicales superficiales
The prescapular or superficial cervical lymph nodes (typically 1-3 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 5 cm, asymmetry, pain, or fixation to surrounding tissues warrants further investigation with fine needle aspirate or biopsy.
The prescapular (superficial cervical) lymph node is located cranial to the shoulder joint, deep to the brachiocephalicus and omotransversarius muscles. It is palpable in most horses as a firm, smooth, mobile structure (3-5 cm). It drains the skin and superficial structures of the neck, shoulder, forelimb, and lateral thorax. Along with the submandibular and prefemoral nodes, it is one of the three most commonly assessed peripheral lymph nodes during physical examination.
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
Non-specific enlargement of lymph nodes secondary to regional infection, inflammation, or vaccination. The prescapular node commonly reacts to forelimb or cervical infections.
The cutaneous form of lymphosarcoma presents as multiple dermal or subcutaneous nodules, often with regional lymph node involvement. May regress spontaneously in some cases (T-cell rich, B-cell lympho
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)
Non-specific enlargement of lymph nodes secondary to regional infection, inflammation, or vaccination. The prescapular node commonly reacts to forelimb or cervical infections. Signs include: Enlarged, firm, sometimes painful lymph node cranial to the shoulder; may be warm; associated regional wound or infection; usually resolves with treatment of primary cause
The cutaneous form of lymphosarcoma presents as multiple dermal or subcutaneous nodules, often with regional lymph node involvement. May regress spontaneously in some cases (T-cell rich, B-cell lymphoma). Signs include: Multiple firm, non-painful subcutaneous nodules; regional lymphadenopathy; nodules may ulcerate; variable response to corticosteroids; may wax and wane
The prescapular (superficial cervical) lymph node is located cranial to the shoulder joint, deep to the brachiocephalicus and omotransversarius muscles. It is palpable in most horses as a firm, smooth, mobile structure (3-5 cm). It drains the skin and superficial structures of the neck, shoulder, forelimb, and lateral thorax. Along with the submandibular and prefemoral nodes, it is one of the three most commonly assessed peripheral lymph nodes during physical examination.
See the Prescapular (Superficial Cervical) Lymph Nodes on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model