Pharyngeal trauma from endotracheal intubation in a colt.

This research article discusses a case of pharyngeal perforation in a young colt, likely caused by endotracheal intubation during anesthesia for an elective surgery. Post-operatively, the colt developed serious infections which were not responsive to treatment.

About the Case

• The subject of the study was a 4 1/2-month-old colt, which was initially healthy prior to undergoing an elective surgery, a common non-emergency procedure. The treatment, however, resulted in complications.

Endotracheal Intubation and its Effects

• For the purpose of the surgery, the colt underwent endotracheal intubation, a medical procedure where a tube is inserted into the trachea (windpipe) for the delivery of anesthesia or air. This intervention is suspected to have led to a pharyngeal perforation, or a hole in the pharynx.
• The perforation likely allowed bacteria to invade the sensitive areas of the colt’s neck and chest, leading to infections.

Post-Surgical Complications

• The colt developed severe cervical cellulitis, a skin infection that affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat of the neck, after the surgery. This could have been a result of the pharyngeal perforation.
• Along with cellulitis, the horse was also noted to have pleuritis, an inflammation of the thin membranes surrounding the lungs (pleura), and pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs that causes difficulty in breathing.
• Despite the use of antibacterial and supportive therapy, the infections remained resistant to the treatments given.

Study Significance

• This study highlights the potential risks and complications associated with endotracheal intubation. It implies the need for careful procedural execution to avoid harm, especially in young and vulnerable subjects like colts.
• The analysis also points to the importance of rigorous post-operative care, particularly in monitoring for signs of infection and responding proactively in order to improve the chances of successful recovery.