Esophageal duplication cyst as a cause of choke in the horse.

This research paper discusses a case of a horse that was experiencing frequent episodes of choking due to an abscess in the esophagus, which was later diagnosed as an esophageal duplication cyst. The horse was treated surgically and has not reported further choking episodes.

Case Presentation and Diagnosis

• A mare was presented for examination after experiencing episodic choking and a perilaryngeal region abscess, which had been progressively enlarging over the past month, causing esophageal choking. This abscess was an abnormal pocket of pus accumulating inside the body.
• Using endoscopy and contrast radiography techniques, an extraluminal compression of the esophagus (approximately 90 cm from the external nose) was detected. An endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure used to examine a person’s digestive tract.
• Further investigation into the mass was conducted by aspirating serosanguinous fluid, a mixture of blood and serum. Examination of this fluid revealed the presence of keratinized squamous cells and neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. These findings are indicative of an esophageal cyst, which is typically a benign tumor that forms within the lining of the esophagus.

Surgical Intervention and Outcome

• A surgical procedure was performed to address the cyst. However, the surgical excision was incomplete due to the complexity of these cysts and their location, which can make total removal difficult.
• Instead, the remaining portion of the cyst was marsupialized, a surgical technique which involves creating an open pouch, to aid in drainage and prevent further growth or infection.
• Following the marsupialization procedure, the surgical area was treated locally with a 2% solution of inorganic iodine. This was to ensure that any bacterial infections were eliminated, facilitating the healing process.
• After the surgical intervention and treatment, it was noted that the horse recovered well, and there have been no further episodes of esophageal choking reported.