Pleuropneumonia is most common in young athletic horses and is associated with several predisposing factors. Race and sport horses are particularly at risk for developing pleuropneumonia often due to which of the following factors?

Head restraint during long transportation
Living on pasture most of the time
Long period of general anesthesia
Recent viral respiratory infection

Subepiglottic Cyst in Horses

By

Bonnie R. Rush

, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Equine Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University

Last full review/revision Jan 2014 | Content last modified Jan 2014

Topic Resources

Subepiglottic cyst, horse

Subepiglottic cysts are an uncommon cause of respiratory noise in young horses. They are likely present from birth but remain undetected until the horse begins exercise training. These cysts are suspected to arise from remnants of the thyroglossal duct. Clinical signs include respiratory noise and exercise intolerance. Large cysts may produce coughing, dysphagia, and aspiration in foals. Diagnosis is determined by endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract. The cyst appears as a smooth-walled, fluctuant mass that contains thick, yellow, mucoid material. Occasionally, the mass is not visible in the nasopharynx, and oral examination under general anesthesia may be required to identify it. Histologically, subepiglottic cysts are lined with a combination of stratified squamous and pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Treatment involves complete removal of the secretory lining of the cyst. Rupture of the cyst results in immediate decompression, but recurrence is common. The most common approach is ventral laryngotomy, although transendoscopic Nd:YAG laser surgery has been used for complete excision.

Epiglottic Entrapment in Horses

Was This Page Helpful?

Fourth Branchial Arch Defect in Horses

Subepiglottic Cyst in Horses

Cysts and Sinuses of the Head and Neck

Overview of Colic in Horses

Follow

Add to Any Platform

Merck and the Merck Veterinary Manual

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Veterinary Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America.