Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Use of intralesional formalin administration for treatment of a subepiglottic cyst in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Dougherty, Sarah S & Palmer, Jan L
- Affiliation:
- Willamete Valley Equine Surgical and Medical Center · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old horse was having problems like chronic coughing, a runny nose with thick discharge, and not growing well. After examining the horse's throat and windpipe with a camera, the vet found a 2-centimeter cyst located just below the epiglottis (the flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing). The cyst was treated with two injections of formalin, given two weeks apart, and after the treatment, the cyst was completely gone without any scarring or changes to the epiglottis. This method of using formalin could be a less invasive and cost-effective option compared to surgery for treating similar cysts.
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old horse was evaluated for chronic coughing, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and failure to thrive. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Endoscopy was performed on the larynx, pharynx, and trachea and revealed an approximately 2-cm fluctuant subepiglottic cyst. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The subepiglottic cyst was treated with intralesional formalin administration. Following 2 injections, 2 weeks apart, the cyst was completely resolved with no evidence of scarring or epiglottic deformity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that intralesional formalin administration for treatment of subepiglottic cysts may be a minimally invasive, economically suitable alternative to surgical treatments.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18673034/