Complications of nasogastric intubation in horses: nine cases (1987-1989).

The research article discusses the complications associated with nasogastric intubation in horses, focusing on nine cases between 1987 and 1989, where horses suffered pharyngeal or esophageal trauma following the procedure.

Research Methodology

• The study observes nine cases of horses that underwent nasogastric intubation between 1987 and 1989.
• These horses were diagnosed with pharyngeal or esophageal trauma, caused by the intubation procedure.
• Evidence of the trauma was observed in three horses in the form of edema or ulceration in the pharynx, while in the other six horses it was found in the esophagus.

Results and Observations

• Complications from the procedure were noticed in half of the horses while they were undergoing intubation, while in the remaining four horses, the complications were observed after extubation.
• The clinical signs of trauma were found to be salivation, bruxism (grinding of teeth), coughing, and nasal discharge.

Treatment and Outcomes

• Among the nine horses, treatment was attempted on six of them. This involved extubation, enteral feeding via a small nasogastric tube, or esophagostomy performed distal to the affected site.
• The success rate of the treatment was 50%, with three out of the six horses surviving the treatment.
• However, four out of five horses with a perforated esophagus, a major complication, had to be euthanized due to their deteriorating condition.

Conclusions

• The research highlights the risks associated with nasogastric intubation in horses, particularly trauma to the pharynx or esophagus.
• It also stresses the need for careful and precise management during the procedure, and intense aftercare, especially in more severe cases, where perforation of the esophagus occurred.