Transarterial coil embolization of the internal and external carotid and maxillary arteries for prevention of hemorrhage from guttural pouch mycosis in horses.

This research study examines a method called ‘transarterial coil embolization’ to prevent bleeding in horses that have a fungal infection in their guttural pouch. Using this technique, the internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, and maxillary arteries are blocked. The method was tested on healthy horses and horses suffering from the fungal infection and found to be safe and effective.

Methods in the Study

• The researchers tested this method on 10 normal adult horses and 4 horses with guttural pouch mycosis, which is a fungal infection in a sack-like space in the horse’s head called the guttural pouch.
• All horses had transarterial coil embolization, which is a minimally invasive procedure where a coil is used to block the arteries to prevent bleeding.
• The horses had their arteries examined at various intervals after the procedure.

Results of the Study

• The researchers found that the procedure had completed successfully without major complications in all the horses, except one horse which developed a condition called laryngeal hemiplegia which causes difficulty swallowing and breathing, and one horse which had embolization of the cerebral arterial circle which could possibly lead to a stroke.
• In the normal horses, the coils had blocked the arteries as intended, and this was confirmed through premortem angiography, which is a test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels.
• All normal horses developed thrombi or blood clots at the site of the coils, suggesting that the coils were effective in blocking the blood flow.
• In the horses with the guttural pouch fungal infection, no further episodes of nosebleed were observed. Additionally, the mycotic or fungal plaques resolved without any additional treatment by day 60. There were no complications related to the eyes observed.

Conclusion of the Study

• The authors concluded that transarterial embolization is a safe and effective method for preventing hemorrhage caused by guttural pouch mycosis in horses.
• The technique was found to be effective in both normal and affected horses and could be implemented despite active bleeding.
• The identification and occlusion of all sources of hemorrhage made this a feasible solution for horses suffering from this painful and potentially life-threatening condition.