Endoscope-guided, transoral axial division of an entrapping epiglottic fold in fifteen standing horses.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and evaluate the use of a transoral, endoscope-guided technique for transection of an entrapping epiglottic fold in sedated standing horses.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Horses (n=16) with epiglottic fold entrapment (EFE).


METHODS
Medical records (2005-2006) of 16 horses with EFE were reviewed to determine history, physical and endoscopic examination findings, postoperative complications, and outcome after axial division of EFE using a hooked bistoury, under an endoscopic-guided, transoral approach.


RESULTS
EFE was confirmed by endoscopy. Axial division was successfully performed in 15 sedated, standing horses. One horse had to be anesthetized to complete the procedure. None of the horses made abnormal respiratory noise after surgery and all returned to their intended use. After surgery, 1 horse had a short, deformed epiglottis.


CONCLUSIONS
EFE can be axially divided safely and effectively using an endoscope-guided, transoral approach, with the horse sedated and standing.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic-guided, transoral axial division of EFE in sedated standing horses is an alternative choice to performing this procedure under general anesthesia.
Perkins
Justin D
JD
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms and Buffy Shirley-Bevan and Associates, Summer Hill Farm, Naunton, UK. JPerkins@rvc.ac.uk
Hughes
Thomas K
TK
Brain
Ben
B
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome