Standing surgical removal of inspissated guttural pouch exudate (chondroids) in ten horses.
OBJECTIVE
To report use of a modified Whitehouse approach in standing horses for management of inspissated guttural pouch empyema.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Adult horses (n=10) with guttural pouch empyema.


METHODS
Inspissated exudate in 1 or both guttural pouches was removed surgically through a modified Whitehouse approach, with the horses standing and sedated. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, endoscopic, and radiological examination findings; surgical technique; complications, and outcome.


RESULTS
All horses had purulent nasal discharge; 3 horses had dysphagia, 2 had recurrent laryngeal neuropathy on the side affected by guttural pouch empyema, and 1 had persistent soft palate displacement. Inspissated exudate was removed safely without causing apparent discomfort. Eight horses returned to their previous level of athletic activity after surgery; 1 horse dysphagic before surgery, was euthanatized because of persistent dysphagia after surgery, and 1 horse died 1 week after surgery for unknown reasons. Streptococcus equi subsp equi was isolated from the affected guttural pouch of 3 horses.


CONCLUSIONS
Inspissated exudate can be removed surgically from the guttural pouch in standing horses through a modified Whitehouse approach.


CONCLUSIONS
To eliminate risks associated with general anesthesia and avoid surgical suite contamination, removal of chondroids can be performed in standing sedated horses through a modified Whitehouse approach.
Perkins
Justin D
JD
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, UK. JPerkins@rvc.ac.uk
Schumacher
Jim
J
Kelly
Ger
G
Gomez
Jorge H
JH
Schumacher
John
J
D000818:Animals; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D004240:Diverticulum / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004653:Empyema / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000601:surgery*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018502:Streptococcus equi / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016896:Treatment Outcome