Treatment of acute epistaxis secondary to guttural pouch mycosis with transarterial nitinol vascular occlusion plugs in three equids.

CASE DESCRIPTION

2 horses and 1 pony were evaluated for right-sided (1 horse and the pony) and left-sided (1 horse) acute epistaxis of 1 day's to 1 month's duration.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Endoscopic examination of the 3 equids revealed that the hemorrhage originated from the right maxillary artery in 2 equids and from the left internal carotid artery in the third. Mycosis of the auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch) was detected in all 3 equids.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

All 3 equids underwent surgery, and transarterial nitinol intravascular plugs were placed to occlude affected blood vessels. All equids survived for a long period (ie, a minimum of 1 to 2 years) and returned to their previous use. All had complete regression of clinical signs of guttural pouch mycosis without additional medical treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of transarterial nitinol intravascular plugs appeared to be an effective alternative to other techniques for the treatment of epistaxis secondary to guttural pouch mycosis, including transarterial occlusion devices such as embolization coils.