Abstract: Background: The management of bleeding originating from the guttural pouch (GP) has a high success rate, but the resolution of the macroscopic inflammatory lesions in the case of mycosis (GPM) is highly variable; the resolution of neurological disorders is inconstant and challenging. Objectives: Our aim was to test the feasibility and safety of topical oxygen therapy (TOT) in horses after induction of GPM and in cases with naturally occurring disease. Study design: This study was an in vivo experimental and retrospective two-phase study. Methods: During phase 1, the pilot study, both GPs were inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus. One GP was randomly assigned to receive one to four TOT 30 min sessions with 100% medical oxygen at 9 L/min. Follow-up endoscopic images were assessed for scoring macroscopic inflammatory lesions of the pharynx and both GPs. In phase 2, the clinical study, TOT was administered for 45 to 60 min at 15 L/min in six horses presenting with GPM. Results: In phase 1, TOT administration was easy to perform in the standing horse with no adverse effects. After more than two administrations, macroscopic inflammatory lesions decreased more quickly in size in the treated GP. In phase 2, horses were treated with TOT only (n = 1) or combined with a transarterial coil embolization (TACE) procedure (n = 5). After TOT and discharge from the hospital, nasal discharge resolved in three horses, and improvement was noted in the fourth one. Between days 2 and 10 after admission, upper respiratory tract endoscopy (URTE) indicated size reduction and alteration in the appearance of all the macroscopic inflammatory lesions. The partial or total recovery of neurological disorders (2/4 laryngeal hemiparesis, 3/5 dysphagia, 1/2 dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), and 1/1 Horner's syndrome) was recorded. Main limitations: In phase 1, the small number of horses did not allow for statistically significant conclusions; in phase 2, clinical signs at admission varied between horses, which made comparison difficult. Conclusions: In adult horses, TOT alone or in combination with TACE is feasible and safe with a propensity to reverse the course and the progression of inflammatory lesions without additional local or systemic treatment.
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The research article discusses the application and effectiveness of topical oxygen therapy (TOT) in treating mycosis in the guttural pouch (GPM) of horses. The study also looks into the possibility of TOT in resolving neurological disorders associated with GPM.
Study Design
The study is an in vivo experimental and retrospective two-phase study, comprising a pilot and a clinical phase.
In the pilot phase, a GP of randomly selected horses was injected with Aspergillus spp. and treated with TOT for one to four 30-minute sessions, using 100% medical oxygen at 9 L/min.
In the clinical phase, six horses with naturally occurring GPM were treated with TOT for 45–60 minutes at a 15 L/min dosage.
Findings and Observations
The pilot phase showed easy application of TOT in standing horses with no adverse effects.
Treatment demonstrated a reduction in the size of macroscopic inflammatory lesions after more than two applications.
In the clinical phase, TOT was either applied alone or in combination with transarterial coil embolization (TACE).
Post-TOT and discharge from the hospital, three horses displayed resolved nasal discharge, while the fourth one showed signs of improvement.
Upper respiratory tract endoscopy (URTE) indicated a reduction in lesion size and alteration in appearance between days 2 and 10 after admission.
Partial or total recovery from neurological disorders, including laryngeal hemiparesis, dysphagia, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, and Horner’s syndrome, was also recorded.
Limitations
The pilot phase had a small sample size that did not allow for statistically significant conclusions.
The clinical signs at admission varied between horses in the clinical phase, which posed difficulties in comparisons.
Conclusion
TOT, used alone or in combination with TACE, proved to be feasible and safe for adult horses.
The therapy showed promise in reversing the course and progression of inflammatory lesions without the need for additional local or systemic treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Lepage OM, Di Francesco P, Moulin N, Gangl M, Texier G, Marchi J, Cadoré JL.
(2021).
The Effect of Topical Oxygen Therapy in Horses Affected with Mycosis of the Guttural Pouch: An Experimental Pilot Study and a Case Series.
Animals (Basel), 11(11).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113329
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