Guttural pouch tympany: 15 cases (1977-1986).

The research article discusses a study conducted from 1977 to 1986 on 15 horses diagnosed with guttural pouch tympany. The study covers detailed examinations, treatments, complications, and recovery rates of affected horses.

Study Overview

• The study was conducted over a decade starting from 1977 to 1986.
• The study focused on a condition in horses known as guttural pouch tympany which was diagnosed in 15 horses during this period.
• Among these horses, 11 were fillies and 4 were colts.
• Data collected through the study included physical, microbiologic, radiographic, and endoscopic examinations, treatment protocols, complications, and recovery rate.

Patient Symptoms

• All horses affected by the condition exhibited visible swelling in the parotid gland region.
• Nine of these horses had abnormal respiratory noise, five had pneumonia and one reported difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia).

Treatment

• For treatment, six horses underwent a procedure called median septum fenestration alone.
• In eight horses, this procedure was combined with the resection of the mucosal flap at the pharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube.
• One horse did not receive any treatment.

Follow-up and Recovery Rates

• Follow-up information could be gathered for 13 horses.
• Recurrence rate was 33% (2 out of 6 horses) after the fenestration procedure alone.
• When both procedures were combined, the recurrence rate was 29% (2 out of the 7 horses).
• One horse that had undergone the combined procedure died due to pneumonia.
• Another horse, treated with septum fenestration alone, had to be euthanized due to persistent dysphagia.
• Out of the horses that were more than 2 years old at the time of follow-up, eight were reported to be healthy. Four of these had also successfully raced post-treatment.