Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Use of a Fogarty balloon catheter for management of distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in a standing sedated horse.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Bourassi, Simon et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Health Management
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Arabian cross paint mare was having problems with her left eye, including a thick discharge and excessive tearing. After some tests, it was found that she had a blockage in her tear duct, which was not responding to initial treatments. The veterinarians then used a special balloon catheter to gently open the blocked duct while the horse was lightly sedated. This method worked well, allowing for proper drainage from the eye, and after a temporary stent was placed for a month, the mare showed no signs of discharge even a year later. Overall, this approach proved to be an effective solution when other treatments didn't work.
Abstract
A 4-year-old Arabian cross paint mare was referred for evaluation of chronic mucopurulent discharge and epiphora of the left eye. Ophthalmic and radiographic evaluations confirmed distal nasolacrimal duct atresia with absence of the nasolacrimal orifice. Initial minimally invasive treatments, including guidewire-assisted catheterization and diode laser photoablation, were unsuccessful. Definitive treatment was achieved using a Fogarty arterial embolectomy catheter under standing sedation. Controlled balloon inflation and deflation enabled progressive dilation of the obstructed duct, and a surgical mucosal opening over the balloon permitted creation of a nasal orifice. A temporary stent was maintained for 4 wk, resulting in successful restoration of nasolacrimal drainage without recurrence of epiphora. Twelve months after catheter removal, no recurrence of ocular discharge was noted. This case report highlights a minimally invasive, effective technique for treating distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in horses when other neocanalization methods are unsuccessful. Key clinical message: A Fogarty catheter-assisted neocanalization offered a practical and effective option for restoring nasolacrimal duct patency in a horse with distal duct atresia and absence of the nasal orifice, providing a minimally invasive alternative when conventional methods failed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41584254/