Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Updates on Diagnosis and Treatment of Guttural Pouch Conditions.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Mudge, Margaret & Hostnik, Laura D
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
The guttural pouch is a special part of a horse's anatomy that can sometimes cause health problems. Recent advancements in surgery, special tools, and medications have made it easier to treat conditions affecting this area, like fungal infections, fluid buildup, air accumulation, and joint issues. New guidelines also help veterinarians diagnose and manage infections caused by a specific bacteria, including better testing methods and cleaning protocols. Overall, these updates aim to improve how we handle these complex conditions in horses.
Abstract
The complex anatomy and unique features of the equine guttural pouch create diagnostic and treatment challenges. Novel surgical approaches, as well as transendoscopic devices and medications, have improved the management of guttural pouch conditions, such as mycosis, empyema, tympany, and temporohyoid osteoarthropathy. Guidelines for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi diagnosis and disinfection protocols are strengthened by new evidence for point-of-care polymerase chain reaction, serial sampling for determining carrier status, and evaluation of disinfection techniques.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41723006/