Epiglottic abnormalities in mature nonracehorses: 23 cases (1990-2009).

The study investigates the characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of mature nonracehorses suffering from abnormalities in the epiglottis—a flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing, preventing food from entering the lungs. The research was done retrospectively, reviewing medical records of the horses treated between 1990 and 2009. The findings suggest that chronic cough is a primary symptom, and surgical intervention seemed generally effective, though some horses needed further treatment.

Methods and Case Profile

• The research involved a retrospective review of 23 mature nonracehorses (> 8 years old) that were treated between 1990 and 2009 for epiglottic abnormalities.
• The information extracted from the horses’ medical records includes history, clinical signs, outcome, diagnosis, surgical procedure, follow-up examinations, and postoperative care.
• The average age of the horses studied was 16 years, ranging from 9 to 30 years. 16 out of the 23 horses primarily complained of chronic cough.

Findings and Diagnoses

• Thirteen of the 23 horses (57%) were diagnosed with epiglottic entrapment, seven horses (30%) had a subepiglottic granuloma, and the remaining three (13%) had a subepiglottic cyst.
• Epiglottic entrapment is a condition where the thin tissue underneath the epiglottis covers it, causing difficulty in breathing. Subepiglottic granuloma and cysts are both types of abnormal growths found under the epiglottis.

Treatment and Outcome

• All the horses were treated surgically. A single horse (4%) required additional surgical treatment.
• Seventeen (74%) of the 23 horses showed resolution of their primary complaints after surgery.
• Some horses, approximately 24%, required prolonged postoperative treatment due to subepiglottic inflammation.
• Six horses did not fully recover after the treatment. Four of them showed signs of recurrent airway obstruction; two developed a persistent problem called dorsal displacement of the soft palate after the surgical procedures.

Conclusions

• The study concludes that chronic cough is a common symptom in mature nonracehorses with epiglottic abnormalities. As a result, an upper airway endoscopy is recommended when evaluating older horses with a cough.
• Surgical treatment is considered beneficial for most of these horses. However, some may require postoperative medical treatment for complications such as subepiglottic inflammation.