Premium
Diagnosis of concurrent oesophageal and tracheal rupture in a horse
Author(s) -
Findley Judith A.,
RubioMartinez Luis M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
veterinary record case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.165
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 2052-6121
DOI - 10.1136/vetreccr-2013-000007
Subject(s) - medicine , horse , surgery , perforation , radiography , feeding tube , radiology , paleontology , materials science , metallurgy , punching , biology
This case report describes investigation of a nine‐year‐old gelding initially presented to the referring veterinary surgeon with swelling of the ventral neck following blunt trauma. Progressive inappetence and an episode of oesophageal obstruction prompted referral after two weeks. Diagnostic imaging including plain radiography, endoscopic evaluation of trachea and oesophagus, as well as ultrasonography were performed. A diagnosis of concurrent oesophageal and tracheal perforation was obtained. The initial medical management of the case involved placement of a tracheostomy tube and an indwelling nasogastric tube to allow for enteral feeding in conjunction with broad‐spectrum antimicrobials. The horse was euthanased as a result of extensive contamination of the soft tissues extending to the level of the thoracic inlet. Indications and options for surgical treatment of this condition are discussed.