A long-term study of 277 cases of equine sinonasal disease. Part 2: treatments and results of treatments.

This research article discusses a long-term study on 277 horses suffering from equine sinonasal disease, evaluating the effectiveness of various treatments and their long-term outcomes. Although most conditions showcased good results, horses with progressive ethmoidal hematoma or sinonasal neoplasia experienced lower remission rates.

Study Background and Aim

• This research study is a comprehensive assessment of multiple cases of equine sinonasal disease over a span of 12 years, conducted by researchers Tremaine and Dixon. It aims to evaluate and report the effectiveness of various treatment methods on the most common disorders associated with equine sinonasal disease.

Overview of the Conditions Studied and Treatments Used

• Equine sinonasal disease is a broad term that encompasses several conditions that horses are commonly afflicted with. In this study, the focus was on the treatment of conditions such as sinonasal mycoses, primary sinusitis, sinus cysts, dental sinusitis, sinonasal trauma, progressive ethmoidal hematoma (PEH), and sinonasal neoplasia.
• The treatments for these conditions were assessed and their effectiveness was determined through the long-term (usually 24 months) remission of symptoms. It is important to note that these were not limited to a singular standardized treatment, but rather various treatments customized based on the individual conditions and the horses’ unique circumstances.

Results from the Study

• The study reports good outcomes for the most common disorders. For instance, 92% of horses with sinonasal mycosis, 84% with primary sinusitis, 82% with sinus cysts, 78% with dental sinusitis, and 75% with sinonasal trauma were reported to have a complete remission of clinical signs after treatment.
• However, the outcomes for horses diagnosed with progressive ethmoidal hematoma (PEH) and sinonasal neoplasia were less promising. Only 33% of PEH cases and 12% of sinonasal neoplasia cases were reported to have long term remission of clinical signs.

Conclusion

• The findings suggest that although most treatments for equine sinonasal disease are effective, the disease’s more severe forms, such as sinonasal neoplasia and PEH, are more stubborn, with lower rates of symptom remission.