Full Clinical Pathological and Bacteriological Investigation of a Giant Nasal Polyp Associated With the Developing Apex of the Permanent Fourth Premolar (Triadan 108) in a 3-year-old Connemara Filly: A Case Report.
Abstract: A 3-year-old Connemara X filly was referred to a UK equine hospital for further investigation of unilateral nasal discharge and facial swelling. Diagnostic imaging documented the presence of a heterogenous, soft tissue opacity with areas of focal mineralisation within the right paranasal sinuses, completely obliterating the nasal cavity, in addition to endodontic disease and significant periapical pathology associated with the right permanent fourth premolar (Triadan 108). Subsequent histopathologic examination confirmed the mass as a fibro-inflammatory polyp.
© 2025 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication Date: 2025-12-29 PubMed ID: 41457381PubMed Central: PMC12745491DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70756Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
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Summary
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The study reports a detailed clinical, pathological, and bacteriological investigation of a large nasal polyp in a young horse, which was found to be associated with dental disease in one of its permanent premolars.
Case Overview
- Subject: A 3-year-old Connemara X filly presented with unilateral nasal discharge and facial swelling on one side.
- Presentation: The horse was referred to a specialized equine hospital in the UK for a thorough diagnostic workup.
Diagnostic Imaging Findings
- Imaging techniques (likely radiography or CT scanning) were employed to examine the nasal and sinus regions.
- Findings showed a heterogeneous soft tissue mass within the right paranasal sinuses that completely obstructed the nasal cavity.
- The mass contained areas of focal mineralisation, indicating possible chronic inflammation or degeneration within the lesion.
- Additionally, the imaging revealed endodontic disease affecting the right permanent fourth premolar (referred to using the Triadan numbering system as tooth 108).
- There was significant periapical pathology—disease around the root apex—associated with this tooth, indicating it was a potential source of infection or inflammation.
Pathological and Bacteriological Investigation
- A biopsy of the mass was taken for histopathologic examination.
- The histopathology confirmed the mass to be a fibro-inflammatory nasal polyp, which is a benign growth composed of fibrous tissue and inflammatory cells.
- The nature of the polyp being fibro-inflammatory suggests a chronic inflammatory process rather than a neoplastic (cancerous) lesion.
- Bacteriological studies would have likely sought to identify any bacterial infection contributing to the polyp or dental pathology, although specific bacteriological findings are not detailed in the abstract.
Clinical Significance
- This case highlights an uncommon presentation of a nasal polyp linked to dental disease, emphasizing the complex relationship between dental pathology and sinus disease in horses.
- The association between the polyp and the developing apex of the permanent fourth premolar suggests that dental infections can extend and severely affect nasal and sinus structures.
- Such comprehensive investigations help in formulating treatment plans that may involve addressing both dental and sinus conditions to resolve the clinical signs.
Conclusions and Implications
- The report provides valuable diagnostic insights for veterinarians managing similar cases of nasal discharge and facial swelling in young horses.
- Early recognition and detailed imaging combined with histopathological examination are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- The findings advocate for integrated dental and nasal sinus assessments when unilateral nasal signs and facial swelling are present.
Cite This Article
APA
Sidwell A, Shanklin A, Miller H, Cahoon M, Hole SL, Bianco C, Pereira R.
(2025).
Full Clinical Pathological and Bacteriological Investigation of a Giant Nasal Polyp Associated With the Developing Apex of the Permanent Fourth Premolar (Triadan 108) in a 3-year-old Connemara Filly: A Case Report.
Vet Med Sci, 12(1), e70756.
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70756 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
- Pool House Equine Hospital, Fradley, UK.
- Leahurst Equine Hospital, University of Liverpool Leahurst Campus, Leahurst, UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
- Pool House Equine Hospital, Fradley, UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
- Pool House Equine Hospital, Fradley, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Nasal Polyps / veterinary
- Nasal Polyps / pathology
- Nasal Polyps / microbiology
- Animals
- Bicuspid / pathology
- Female
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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