Headshaking associated with a unique presentation of guttural pouches infection and otitis media in a Quarter Horse stallion: diagnosis, medical treatment and outcome.
Abstract: A 3-year-old Quarter Horse stallion was referred for headshaking (HS) syndrome of one month duration. The horse underwent complete HS workup. Physical examination revealed up-and-down head movements associated with nose snorting during lunging and riding, in the absence of other abnormalities at rest or in motion. Lameness, neurologic and behavioural evaluations were unremarkable. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract showed bilateral guttural pouches (GPs) inflammation. The mucosal surface was altered by the presence of areas of microbullous appearance coalescing into some bullae of larger diameter. A bacterial culture obtained by flushing, brushing and biopsy of the GP mucosa was positive for Serratia marcescens. Computed tomographic evaluation was indicative of: moderate bilateral GP inflammation, bilateral otitis media, and nuchal ligament enthesopathy, with uncertain significance. The horse was treated with antimicrobials according to the sensitivity test, systemic NSAIDs and rest. At the one-month follow-up, HS condition was improved and the endoscopic examination showed a limited number of bullous lesions remaining. Bacterial culture re-obtained from the GPs lavages was positive for Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus. Based on the residual evidence of GP infection, the horse was re-treated with antimicrobials according to the sensitivity test, systemic NSAIDs and rest. At the two-month follow-up, HS condition was considered resolved based on clinical evaluation, the horse resumed gradually training with satisfactory results. Endoscopy and bacteriology showed resolution of GP infection. At one-year follow-up no relapses were reported.
Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2025-05-27 PubMed ID: 40441545DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105616Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study discusses a case where a 3-year-old Quarter Horse stallion develops a headshaking syndrome likely caused by bilateral guttural pouch inflammation and bilateral otitis media. The horse was successfully treated with antimicrobials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and rest, and no relapses were reported a year post-treatment.
Background of the Study
- The research begins with a case of a 3-year-old Quarter Horse stallion showing signs of up-and-down headshaking for one month.
- The horse was evaluated for lameness and behavioral issues, but no abnormal findings were noted.
- The headshaking syndrome was observed to accompany nose snorting during lunging and riding. However, there was an absence of such irregularities when the horse was at rest or in motion.
Diagnosis and Findings
- An endoscopic examination revealed bilateral inflammation in the horse’s guttural pouches.
- The mucosal surface in these guttural pouches had a microbullous appearance, and in some cases, these microbullae coalesced into larger bullae.
- A bacterial culture obtained from the mucosa of the guttural pouches tested positive for Serratia marcescens.
- Computed tomographic evaluation showed moderate bilateral guttural pouch inflammation, bilateral otitis media, and nuchal ligament enthesopathy.
Treatment and Outcome
- The horse was treated with antimicrobials based on sensitivity testing, systemic NSAIDs and rest.
- After one month, the horse exhibited improved headshaking condition. The endoscopic examination showed a reduction in the number of bullous lesions.
- The bacterial culture showed the presence of Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus, suggesting a remaining guttural pouch infection which was again treated with antimicrobials, systemic NSAIDs and rest.
- Two months after the initial diagnosis, the headshaking condition was considered resolved, and the horse gradually resumed training with satisfactory results.
- Final endoscopy and bacteriology tests showed no signs of guttural pouch infection.
- The horse remained symptom-free even after one year, with no reported relapses.
Cite This Article
APA
Forni G, Ellero N, Mannini A, Scacco L, Freccero F.
(2025).
Headshaking associated with a unique presentation of guttural pouches infection and otitis media in a Quarter Horse stallion: diagnosis, medical treatment and outcome.
J Equine Vet Sci, 151, 105616.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105616 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova 35020, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: nicola.ellero3@unibo.it.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy.
- Equivet Roma Hospital, Via di Torre di Sant'Anastasia 83, 00134 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Horses
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Otitis Media / veterinary
- Otitis Media / drug therapy
- Otitis Media / diagnosis
- Male
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.
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