Subepiglottic cysts in 15 horses

Abstract

Summary Subepiglottic cysts (SECs) are an infrequent cause of upper respiratory tract noise and exercise intolerance in horses. They may also be associated with no clinical signs and be an incidental finding during routine upper airway endoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess the effect on performance of horses undergoing surgical removal of SECs. The case records of 15 horses (1995–2009) diagnosed with SECs were retrieved. Eleven (73%) of the 15 horses included in the study were Thoroughbred racehorses. Eleven (73%) of the 15 horses had no preoperative clinical signs related to the SECs, with the remaining 4 (27%) having a respiratory noise (n = 4), nasal discharge (n = 1), difficulty swallowing (n = 1) or a cough (n = 1). Endoscopic examination in the standing horse was diagnostic in 93% (n = 14) of horses. Nine (82%) of the 11 Thoroughbred horses were yearlings, of which only one horse (11%) presented with clinical signs consisting of a respiratory noise and nasal discharge. Four of the 11 (36%) Thoroughbred horses were found to have concurrent epiglottic entrapment. Surgical removal was successful in all cases. Eight of the 11 (73%) Thoroughbred horses in this study raced following SEC removal. The majority of SECs are identified during routine endoscopic examinations and are not associated with clinical signs. The prognosis following surgical removal of SECs is good and future performance does not appear to be affected.

A novel approach for palatal cyst ablation in a horse

“…Diagnosis in this group is potentially a function of their requirement for large aerobic capacity and the frequent nature of endoscopic examinations at an early age rather than being due to a specific breed predisposition, diagnosis being made most frequently at endoscopic examinations preceding yearling sales (Salz et al . ). Concomitant epiglottic entrapment has been reported in 20% (Tulleners ) and 36% (Salz et al .…”

“…Concomitant epiglottic entrapment has been reported in 20% (Tulleners ) and 36% (Salz et al . ) of cases according to two reports. Endoscopically cysts are visualised as pink and smooth, round to oval mucosal covered masses that sit below the epiglottis and are usually to one side of the midline (Fulton et al .…”

“…Respiratory noise is commonly exacerbated by exercise and is usually noted on both inspiration and expiration (Salz et al . ). Cystic structures involving the upper respiratory tract (URT) of equines are most usually found in the subepiglottic tissues.…”

“…Dysphagia, persistent coughing and aspiration pneumonia have also been reported as sequelae to subepiglottic cysts (Salz et al . ).…”

Equine emergency upper airway management

“… Subepiglottic cyst ( Fig ): Horses with a subepiglottic cyst may be asymptomatic, though common clinical signs include coughing, nasal discharge and increased respiratory noise (Aitken and Parente ; Salz et al . ). Acute collapse has been reported after swallowing of the cyst resulted in laryngeal obstruction and asphyxiation (Hay et al .…”