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Nasal Abscess and Associated Oronasal Fistula in a Mare
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  • Mattisen DiRubio,
  • Alexandra Wright,
  • Heidi Reesink,
  • Brenna Pugliese,
  • Edward Earley,
  • Peter Scrivani
Mattisen DiRubio
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Corresponding Author:mdirubio@outlook.com

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Alexandra Wright
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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Heidi Reesink
Cornell University
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Brenna Pugliese
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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Edward Earley
Cornell University
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Peter Scrivani
Cornell University
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Abstract

A 20-year-old Warmblood broodmare was presented to the primary veterinarian for bilateral nasal discharge, which had been treated with sulfamethoxazole without complete resolution. The mare was referred to Cornell’s Equine Hospital after she began dropping feed without losing weight. Oral exam, radiography, computed tomography (CT) of the head, and upper airway endoscopy were performed, revealing a left sided nasal abscess filled with feed material due to an associated oronasal fistula between the left maxillary premolars (207 and 209) with reactive bone extending past 210. The abscess was debrided, and drainage was established via a transnasal standing approach under endoscopic guidance, with conservative management of the affected teeth. Repeated follow-up evaluations included upper respiratory endoscopic and oral endoscopic exams to monitor abscess resolution and to evaluate the compromised periodontal attachment of the affected teeth. This case highlights 1) the importance of advanced imaging in cases of equine nasal and sinus disease and 2) the success of conservative dental management when faced with a case of severe periodontitis with subsequent oronasal fistulation.
01 Nov 2022Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
01 Nov 2022Submission Checks Completed
01 Nov 2022Assigned to Editor
02 Nov 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Dec 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor