Use of intralesional formalin administration for treatment of a subepiglottic cyst in a horse.

This research presents a case where a four-year-old horse suffering from chronic cough, nasal discharge, and unhealthy condition was effectively treated for a subepiglottic cyst using intralesional formalin administration. This treatment resulted in full recovery, suggesting it as a less invasive and cost-effective alternative to surgery.

Research Background

• The focus of this research is a four-year-old horse presenting with chronic health issues including constant coughing, release of pus-like nasal discharge, and an overall failure to thrive or grow properly.
• During diagnosis, an endoscopy was conducted on the horse’s larynx, pharynx, and trachea which revealed the presence of an approximately 2 cm subepiglottic cyst.

Treatment and Results

• The detected cyst was treated using a method known as intralesional formalin administration. Formalin is a solution of formaldehyde gas dissolved in water, which has properties of a disinfectant and fixative. When administered intralesionally, it is injected directly into the affected lesion or cyst.
• The horse received two injections of formalin, administered two weeks apart. The treatment led to the complete disappearance of the cyst.
• Post-treatment, no evidence of scarring or deformation of the epiglottis was observed, suggesting that the healing process was not only effective but also minimally invasive.

Research Conclusions

• The successful treatment of the subepiglottic cyst in the horse, using intralesional formalin administration, provides persuasive evidence that this method might be an efficient minimally invasive and economically suitable treatment alternative to surgical approaches.
• This presents promising potential for the use of intralesional formalin administration in the treatment of similar conditions in other horses, and possibly, in other animals or even humans.