Respiratory distress due to retropharyngeal and neck swelling in a horse with mediastinal lymphosarcoma.

The research explores the case of a horse experiencing breathing difficulties due to an uncommon swelling in the retropharyngeal area and neck believed to be symptoms of a condition called “strangles”. The horse, despite receiving anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial treatment, showed no significant improvement. Instead, the condition worsened over time with the swelling extending to the upper neck, pectoral region and ventral pectoral area.

Background of the Study

• The research detailed the case of a 9-year-old Quarter horse gelding, weighing 1494-pounds, which was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan.
• The horse initially demonstrated symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, including mild swelling in the retropharyngeal area and slight nasal discharge, after being exposed to another horse exhibiting these symptoms during a trail ride.

Primary Veterinarian’s Diagnosis and Treatment

• The horse’s primary vet presumed the symptoms to be indicative of a condition known as “strangles”, an infectious bacterial disease in horses, and proceeded with a treatment plan using two types of medications: trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic combo, and phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
• Regardless, the horse did not show satisfactory response to either the antibiotic or the anti-inflammatory treatment, and the swelling instead gradually spread to the upper part of the neck.

Development of Further Symptoms and Subsequent Referral to WCVM

• Two weeks following the initial treatment, the horse developed a dry cough and breathing difficulties. The swellings extended further into the horse’s pectoral region and ventral pectoral area, reaching as far as the cranial ventral abdomen.
• Due to the progression of the clinical signs and the poor response to initial treatment, the horse was referred to the WCVM for further evaluation and treatment in an attempt to better understand and manage the horse’s deteriorating health condition.