Eustachian tube diverticulum chondroids and neck abscessation in a case of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi.

This research discusses a case study of a 12-year-old pony that was diagnosed with a neck abscess and multiple chondroids in the Eustachian tube diverticulum following an infection from Streptococcus equi subsp. equi bacteria. The pony was successfully treated with surgical removal of the chondroids and antibiotic treatments.

Presentation and Diagnosis

• The pony was presented with a noticeable swelling over the second cervical vertebra (C2) area of the neck, which was painful when touched. Additionally, the pony held its neck in a stiff position.
• Radiography and ultrasound were used to confirm the presence of a hypoechoic area, which is an irregular and abnormal density. This area was approximately 15 cm across and was situated over the dorsal spinous process of the C2 vertebra.
• A sample of the mass was taken to confirm the suspicions of an abscess. The sample revealed the presence of purulent exudate, a pus-like discharge, confirming the abscess diagnosis.
• The sample of purulent material was tested, and a pure culture of the bacteria Streptococcus equi subsp. equi was revealed, suggesting this as the cause for the abscess.

Eustachian Tube Diverticulum

• The pony’s Eustachian tube diverticula, also known as guttural pouches, were evaluated using endoscopy.
• The endoscopy revealed the presence of several chondroids, which are hard, benign growths, filling most of the right Eustachian tube diverticulum.

Treatment and Recovery

• The abscess was lanced and the chondroids were surgically removed from the Eustachian tube diverticulum via a surgical procedure called a right-sided hyovertebrotomy. In total, 189 chondroids were removed.
• Multiple flushings of the Eustachian tube diverticulum were performed with penicillin. This procedure was conducted using a catheter and was monitored using a fibre optic scope.
• The penicillin treatments and flushing of the Eustachian tube diverticulum were performed until a negative culture status was achieved, indicating the successful removal of the abscess and chondroids and the elimination of the Streptococcus equi subsp. equi infection.