Transarterial coil embolisation in 31 horses (1999-2002) with guttural pouch mycosis: a 2-year follow-up.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There have been no previously published large case series describing short- and long-term outcome of transarterial coil embolisation (TCE) in horses with guttural pouch mycosis (GPM).

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical and surgical features of horses with GPM presented at the Veterinary School of Lyon during a 28 month period; and to evaluate immediate to long-term results of TCE as a treatment.

METHODS

Medical records of all horses with GPM treated with TCE between February 1999 and July 2002 were analysed. To be included in the study, no other surgical or medical treatment for the mycosis was administered. Subject details, case history and results of initial clinical examination and endoscopy were reviewed. For all individuals, evaluation of long-term complications and case evolution was based on owner or trainer interviews between 24 and 41 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-one horses were identified with unilateral (n = 25) or bilateral (n = 6) GPM affecting only the medial (n = 28), only the lateral (n = 2) or both compartments simultaneously (n = 7). Of the 23 individuals presented with epistaxis, 20 showed complete resolution of the problem. Of the 19 horses presented with neurological signs, 2 were subjected to euthanasia for persistence of severe dysphagia. Prognosis for survival was excellent (84%) and prognosis for return at the level expected by the owner or trainer was good (71%).

CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: TCE of horses affected with GPM is an effective method of preventing haemorrhage and resolving the majority of mycotic lesions without further specific treatment. Treated horses did not present relapse of mycosis during the follow-up period.