Endoscopic diagnosis and management of an unusual nasal foreign body in a mare.

The research article is about a unique case where a fragment of a tooth, identified as a foreign body, was found inside the nasal canal of a 4-year-old mare. The foreign body was successfully removed with the help of an endoscope and alligator forceps.

Overview of the Research

The present study chronicles a unique veterinary case of a mare with a foreign body lodged in its nasal cavity. According to the study, this is the first time such a case has been reported in a mare, thereby making it a significant contribution to veterinary case studies and literature. Key to the diagnosis and treatment was the use of endoscopic examination and alligator forceps.

• The horse under study was a 4-year-old Arabian-cross mare, exhibiting unusual symptoms like unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and exercise intolerance. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a tooth fragment was causing these symptoms. The presence of such a foreign object is uncommon in horses, making this case particularly noteworthy.

Diagnostic Process

The diagnosis incorporated clinical signs, radiography, and endoscopic examination.

• The first signs that led to an extensive examination were the unusual symptoms that the mare was exhibiting, primarily related to its nasal functions. This included a unilateral, or occurring on one side, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and nosebleeds. Another significant symptom was a decrease in the horse’s exercise tolerance.
• Upon observing these signs, the horse underwent radiography. This imaging technique helped in establishing the presence of a foreign object in the mare’s nasal cavity.
• Further confirmation of the diagnosis occurred through an endoscopic examination. It not only confirmed the presence of a tooth piece in the nasal cavity but also specified its location, which was the ventral valve of the left nasal cavity.

Management and Treatment

The foreign body was successfully removed using endoscopic guidance and alligator forceps.

• Management of this unconventional case required a surgical approach. The foreign body was removed with the help of an endoscope, providing visuals and guiding the process, and alligator forceps – a specialized tool used for grasping and manipulating objects during minimally invasive procedures.
• Post-surgery, the mare’s symptoms observed at the start of the diagnosis significantly improved, showing the success of this treatment approach.