The Catheter–Embolization procedure for treatment of guttural pouch mycosis in the horse - case series of 7 horses

Abstract

Seven horses with unilateral guttural pouch mycosis the application and experiences of the catheter-embolization technique are described. This surgical technique provides an intravascular occlusion of vessels inside the guttural pouch and is an established method not only to prevent fatal hemorrhage but also to treat the guttural pouch mycosis. In this case series all horses were operated with this surgical method and no horse showed an episode of epistaxis post operatively. In all horses the guttural pouch mycosis regressed within 4 to 10 weeks after surgery. Even horses that showed neurological deficits had a full recovery. The catheter-embolization method is a secure and cost efficient procedure, which does not require specialized equipment other than the embolization-catheters.