Congenital branchial apparatus malformation in a Haflinger colt.
OBJECTIVE
To report the diagnosis and treatment of a branchial apparatus anomaly (BAA) associated with a mandibular malformation in a foal.


METHODS
Clinical report.


METHODS
Haflinger foal.


METHODS
A 6-day-old foal had a fluctuating cystic mass in the pharyngeal (throatlatch) region, which changed in appearance after ingestion of milk. Upper airway endoscopy and diagnostic imaging (ultrasonography, radiography, computed tomography) permitted identification of the anatomic location of a communicating tract between the lumen of the cystic mass and the pharynx. The mass was surgically removed and communication with the pharynx ligated. Histologic appearance of this mass was consistent with a branchial cyst or sinus. The mandibular malformation was managed conservatively.


RESULTS
Surgical resection of a third branchial sinus resulted in an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome. There was no evidence of any mandibular deformity 2 years later.


CONCLUSIONS
BAA may induce secondary mandibular deformation in utero and may cause respiratory compromise postpartum. Careful surgical dissection and removal of BAA resulted in an excellent outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
BAAs should be included in the differential diagnosis of a throatlatch region mass in equine neonates. Complete surgical excision is recommended and full recovery of any associated mandibular deformity may be anticipated without additional treatment in very young patients.
David
Florent
F
Département de Sciences Cliniques et de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada. flo_david@hotmail.com
Savard
Claudine
C
Drolet
Richard
R
Alexander
Kate
K
Pang
Daniel S J
DS
Laverty
Sheila
S
D000818:Animals; D001934:Branchial Region / Q000002:abnormalities*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000002:abnormalities*; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome