Endoscopic electrosurgical excision of laryngeal granulation tissue in a standing pregnant mare.

The research study discusses a case where a pregnant mare developed breathing difficulties due to the obstruction in the airway caused by granulation tissue. The researchers managed to safely remove the obstructive mass without conducting general anaesthesia or a permanent tracheostomy.

Patient Presentation and Diagnosis

• The subject was an 11-year-old mare, eight months into her gestation period. She’d suddenly developed severe respiratory issues, which were atypical and complex considering her pregnant state.
• An endoscopic examination was conducted, during which it was identified that she had granulation tissue located intralaryngeally. This abnormal tissue growth within the larynx was obstructing her airways, causing the breathing difficulties.

Treatment Approach

• To remedy the mare’s condition, the researchers decided to excise the granulation tissue. However, given her late stage of pregnancy, conventional procedures such as general anaesthesia and permanent tracheostomy were considered to be risky.
• Hence, a less invasive technique, electrosurgical excision, was employed to remove the obstructing tissue. The mare was made to stand during the procedure, further reducing the risks associated with recumbency in pregnant mares.
• By using electrosurgical excision, the researchers were able to efficiently cut and coagulate the granulation tissue, reducing the associated haemorrhage risk.

Post-Treatment Results and Observation

• Following the successful resection of the granulation tissue, the mare’s airway patency was restored – effectively resolving her respiratory distress.
• The mare was able to successfully carry her pregnancy to term and foaled without any complications – indicating that the excision procedure had no adverse effects on her gestation.

In short, this study showcases an effective and less invasive approach to treating laryngeal granulation tissue in pregnant mares, with a low risk of associated complications. It also serves as a testament towards the practicability of electrosurgical resection as an alternative to more risky surgical procedures under certain circumstances.