Complications associated with the use of the cuffless endotracheal tube in the horse.

This research article discusses the issues that have arisen due to the use of cuffless endotracheal tubes in horses, including laryngeal edema and severe trauma, as well as a swollen tongue and difficulty eating.

Introduction to the Research

• The article outlines complications that arose post-utilization of cuffless large animal endotracheal tubes, a device used to deliver anesthesia to horses during medical procedures.
• The study focuses on two separate cases where complications arose after using the tube.

First Case Study

• In the first case, a horse developed laryngeal edema which indicates an accumulation of fluid in the tissues around the larynx or voice box of the horse, following recovery from anesthesia.
• The horse was treated with a medication called dexamethasone, a type of corticosteroid medication that’s primarily used to treat inflammation.
• While the edema was successfully treated, severe laryngeal trauma was identified 24 hours later during a post-mortem examination (necropsy).

Second Case Study

• The second case involved a horse that, after anesthesia, exhibited a swollen tongue and experienced difficulty eating for three days post-anesthesia.
• Interestingly, the symptoms observed in the second horse resolved without any treatment.

Conclusion and Implications

• The article concludes by highlighting the potential damages that could occur from the method of endotracheal intubation, particularly with cuffless designs.
• These accounts serve as a reminder to veterinary medical professionals of the possible complications that could ensue with the use of cuffless endotracheal tubes in horses and probably drive searches for less injurious methods or devices.