Pharynx: foreign body
Introduction
- Inhaled foreign bodies are rare in the horse.
- Cause: thorns, twigs and brush bristles most common; large objects less so.
- Signs: dependent on site:
- Nasal foreign body → unilateral acute nasal discharge and/or epistaxis, snorting and head-shyness/shaking → chronic discharge and halitosis.
- Large pharyngeal foreign body → peracute respiratory dyspnea and acute dysphagia.
A life-threatening respiratory obstruction may occur if a large foreign body becomes firmly lodged.
- Small, sharp pharyngeal foreign bodies → dysphagia, nasal regurgitation, squealing and arching of neck.
- Diagnosis: direct endoscopic visualization.
- Treatment: removal, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy.
- Prognosis: generally good.
Presenting signs
Nasal foreign bodies
- Unilateral nasal discharge Nose: nasal discharge and/or epistaxis .
- Snorting/sneezing.
- Discomfort.
- Chronic cases develop halitosis.
Small pharyngeal foreign bodies
- Acute onset dysphagia.
- Nasal regurgitation and distress when eating/drinking.
Large pharyngeal foreign bodies
- Peracute inspiratory dyspnea.
If firmly lodged → life-threatening respiratory obstruction.
Geographic incidence
- Worldwide.
Cost considerations
- Cost of treatment.
Special risks
- Animals with large pharyngeal foreign bodies should not be anesthetized.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Foreign body is accidentally inhaled and becomes lodged in either the nasal passages or the pharynx depending on size.
Predisposing factors
General
- Wood chewing , eg crib-biter Behavior: crib-biting and wind-sucking.
Pathophysiology
- The physical presence of the foreign body causes an obstruction and irritation.
Timecourse
- Large foreign bodies will cause acute onset clinical signs.
- Smaller foreign bodies may result in more chronic duration of clinical signs.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Kiper M L et al (1992) Metallic foreign bodies in the mouth or pharynx of horses; seven cases (1983-1989). JAVMA 200 (1), 91-93 PubMed.
- French D A et al (1989) Removal of a retropharyngeals foreign body in a horse, with the aid of ultrasonography during surgery. JAVMA 194 (9), 1315-1316 PubMed.
- Bayly W M et al (1982) Epistaxis caused by foreign body penetration of a guttural pouch. JAVMA 180 (10), 1232-1234 PubMed.