Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Use of a chain écraseur for excision of a pharyngeal granuloma in a cow.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Boileau, Mélanie J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old pregnant Longhorn cow was having increasing trouble breathing for about six weeks. A vet found a large soft tissue growth in her throat that was blocking her airway, and tests suggested it was a bacterial granuloma. The cow underwent surgery to remove the mass using a special tool called a chain écarteur, and further tests confirmed the growth was due to a bacterial infection called actinobacillosis. Eight months after the surgery, the owner reported that the cow was doing well and had not experienced any more breathing problems.
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old Longhorn cow pregnant with a valuable fetus was evaluated because of progressive inspiratory dyspnea of 6 weeks' duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings were consistent with upper respiratory tract obstruction. A large pedunculated soft tissue mass was evident in the mid-dorsal aspect of the pharynx during palpation and endoscopic examination. Results of microscopic examination of transendoscopic fine-needle aspirates and a biopsy specimen were suggestive of a bacterial granuloma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Transtracheal intubation was performed, and the mass was excised with a chain écraseur. Results of histologic examination were consistent with a diagnosis of actinobacillosis. The owner reported that the cow was doing well without any recurrence of respiratory distress 8 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that pharyngeal granuloma resulting from actinobacillosis should be included in the differential diagnoses when examining mature cattle with upper respiratory tract obstruction and that a chain écraseur may be useful for excising soft tissue pharyngeal masses in cattle.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19335246/