Balloon-tipped catheter arterial occlusion for prevention of hemorrhage caused by guttural pouch mycosis: 13 cases (1982-1985).

The research study involves the management of nosebleeds in horses resulting from a fungal infection in the throat, utilizing a method involving a balloon-tipped catheter to block the affected arteries. The procedure had a successful outcome in preventing serious post-operative bleeding, with minor complications reported.

Introduction to the Research

• The study was aimed at managing a medical condition causing nosebleeds (epistaxis) in horses, stemming from a fungal infection (guttural pouch mycosis) present in their guttural pouch, a pocket of air in a horse’s head.

Methodology

• The primary form of treatment employed is termed as the balloon-tipped catheter and ligature occlusion. This involves the use of a catheter, a medical tubing, which has an inflatable balloon at its tip, to block or occlude the arteries affected by the fungal infection.
• Within the study period between 1982 and 1985, this treatment procedure was administered to 13 horses.
• Out of the 13 horses, more than one artery was catheterized or had a catheter inserted in 7 horses.

Findings

• The procedure was notably effective, stopping severe bleeding after the operation in all 13 horses.
• A follow-up analysis was performed utilizing endoscopy, a technique to visualize the inside of a body, on 8 of the horses on a long-term basis.
• All of these 8 horses showed complete disappearance of the fungal infection even as early as 5 weeks succeeding the surgery.
• Of the 8 horses, six did not require any medicinal treatment.

Complications

• Some issues did arise during the study related to the use of the balloon-tipped catheter technique. These were, however, relatively rare.
• Three of the horses developed infections in the area where the incision was made to insert the catheter.
• Twice, a catheter broke during the process of removal.
• In a single instance, a catheter was misplaced in one horse.