Guttural Pouch Tympany
Guttural pouch tympany describes the distension of the guttural pouch with
.
This condition is idiopathic, though it is thought to be related to a congenital defect of the flap. The alar flap is a fenestration that connects the auditory tube to the respiratory tract. If the alar flap malfunctions it acts as a one-way valve that allows air into the auditory tube and the guttural pouch, but prevents the air from leaving, causing the guttural pouch to fill with air and distend.
Guttural pouch tympany is seen in foals up to
months of age and is reported to be more
common in fillies than in colts.
The clinical presentation of guttural pouch tympany includes distension of the parotid region that is non-painful, dyspnea, respiratory stridor, cough, aspiration of milk while suckling and aspiration pneumonia. Diagnosis can be made through the clinical signs and symptoms as well as endoscopy revealing the malfunction of the alar flap.
Treatment includes the surgical fenestration of the alar flap.
Guttural Pouch Empyema
Guttural pouch empyema describes the
infection of the guttural pouch.
The infective agent is commonly Streptococcus spp . which infects the mucous membrane of the guttural pouch causing inflammation, increased mucus production and the accumulation of purulent material in the guttural pouch and upper respiratory tract. The accumulation of pus in the guttural pouch causes distension, which puts pressure on the nerves and blood vessels associated with the guttural pouch, causing , neuropathy and ischemia of the head. Guttural pouch empyema is transmitted through the inspiration of infected aerosol secretions or the direct or indirect contact with infected nasal, lacrimal or oral secretions. Predispositions include horses that have recently suffered a URT infection. The young are more commonly affected. The clinical presentation of guttural pouch empyema includes intermittent mucopurulent nasal discharge, swelling and heat in the parotid region, pain on palpation of the parotid region, stiff or head carriage, respiratory stridor that sounds like wet gurgling, exercise intolerance and poor performance.
316
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software