Epiglottitis in horses: 20 cases (1988-1993).
Abstract: Epiglottitis was diagnosed and treated in 20 horses (13 Thoroughbreds and 7 Standardbreds) over a 5-year period. Eighteen horses were used for racing, and 2 Standardbreds were broodmares. Primary clinical signs were exercise intolerance, respiratory noise, and coughing. The most common endoscopic diagnosis made by referring veterinarians was epiglottic entrapment (11 horses). In 19 horses, endoscopic evaluation at admission revealed mucosal ulceration and thickening of the lingual surface of the epiglottis. Other endoscopic findings included dorsal displacement of the soft palate (14 horses), and dorsal deviation of the epiglottic axis (11 horses). Only 1 horse had epiglottic entrapment. Treatment consisting of stall confinement for 7 to 14 days, topical administration of a solution of furacin, dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerin, and prednisolone, and systemic administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids was effective in controlling epiglottic edema and inflammation. Antimicrobials were administered to 6 horses. Racing performance of the 18 racehorses was evaluated by examination of racing records. One horse was still convalescing at the time of the study, and 1 horse had been euthanatized 1 week after treatment for epiglottitis because of colic. The remaining 16 horses all started at least 1 race (mean time between initial examination and start of first race, 74 days; range, 8 to 265 days). Thirteen horses started at least 4 races following treatment for epiglottitis; racing performance after treatment was the same in 8 and decreased in 5. Long-term sequelae of epiglottitis included epiglottic deformity (5 horses), intermittent or persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (4 horses), and epiglottic entrapment (1 horse).
Publication Date: 1994-12-01 PubMed ID: 7730128
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study examines 20 cases of epiglottitis, an inflammation of the flap at the base of the tongue, in horses, mostly racehorses, over five years. Various treatment methods were explored with a focus on its efficacy and long-term impacts on the horses’ racing performance.
Objective of the Study
- This research was conducted to evaluate the differences in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of horses affected by epiglottitis and how the illness and its treatment impact their racing performance.
About the Studied Cases
- The study was carried out on a total of 20 horses, comprising 13 Thoroughbreds and 7 Standardbreds. Most of these horses were involved in racing, with only two being broodmares.
- Among prime indicators of the disease were exercise intolerance, respiratory noise, and coughing.
- The condition was often misdiagnosed as ‘epiglottic entrapment’, an unrelated but similar-looking condition, by referring veterinarians.
Observations and Findings
- Upon admission, endoscopic evaluations revealed mucosal ulceration and thickening of the lingual surface of the epiglottis in most cases.
- Additional findings in some of the horses included dorsal displacement of the soft palate and dorsal deviation of the epiglottic axis, while epiglottic entrapment was observed in only one case.
Treatment Methodology and Effectiveness
- The treatment involved keeping the horses in a stall for one to two weeks, along with a topical solution, systemic administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.
- Antimicrobials were necessary for 6 cases, indicating the presence of secondary infections.
- This treatment was found effective in controlling epiglottic edema and inflammation, the primary effects of the disease.
Impact on Racing Performance
- Out of 18 racehorses, one was still convalescing at the time of study, and another had to be euthanized a week after the treatment due to a different condition (colic).
- The remaining 16 horses were able to return to racing, although the time for recovery varied significantly from 8 to 265 days.
- Out of these, 8 horses maintained their pre-disease performance level, while 5 showed a decrease.
Long-term Consequences
- The treatment also resulted in long-term sequelae of epiglottitis such as epiglottic deformity, intermittent or persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate, and epiglottic entrapment in a few cases.
Cite This Article
APA
Hawkins JF, Tulleners EP.
(1994).
Epiglottitis in horses: 20 cases (1988-1993).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 205(11), 1577-1580.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348-1692.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Epiglottis / pathology
- Epiglottitis / therapy
- Epiglottitis / veterinary
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Laryngoscopy / veterinary
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
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