Equine Epiglottitis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome.
Abstract
Background: Epiglottitis is an uncommon upper airway pathology
characterized by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottal mucosa
and/or subepiglottal tissues. Only one report exists in the literature
of epiglottitis in horses, which documents the diagnosis, treatment and
prognosis of the condition. Objectives: To describe the
evaluation, treatment, and outcome of thoroughbred and standardbred
racehorses diagnosed with epiglottitis at our hospital. A secondary
objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of inhaled and topical
anti-inflammatories for this condition. Study design:
Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records (2009-2023)
were reviewed for racehorses treated for epiglottitis. Data collected
included signalment, history, endoscopic findings, treatment
progression, hospitalization duration, and any reason for re-admission.
Race records were obtained to determine days to first race, earnings,
and career length. Horses were classified into three groups based on the
severity of the epiglottitis. Results: Presenting complaint,
interpretation of the endoscopic examination, treatment, progression and
outcome were recorded. Of the 24 horses included, 16 were referred for
surgical correction of epiglottic entrapment. Other reasons for referral
included dysphagia and upper respiratory stridor. Horses were treated
with systemic, topical and inhaled anti-inflammatories. Hospitalization
ranged from 1 to 43 days. Time to first race ranged from 18 to 175 days.
Twenty-two horses returned to racing; Eight horses were re-admitted,
including six for recurrent epiglottitis and two for other airway
pathologies. Main limitations: The major limitations include
those inherent to a retrospective report. The results would be stronger
with higher case numbers. Additionally, we did not have sufficient
numbers to compare outcomes of horses treated with inhaled medications
versus those that were not. Racehorses inevitably develop other
racing-related problems which confound studies of this nature.
Conclusions: Epiglottitis is an uncommon upper airway pathology
that, when properly diagnosed, can be treated successfully with a good
prognosis for return to athletic function.