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  Discussion on Update on my horse with Guttural Pouch Mycosis
Author Message
New Member:
melanieg

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 10, 2009 - 4:50 pm:

My original post can be found here: https://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/296692.html

Well, much has happened since I have last posted, and these past few months have flown by.

If you'll recall, my 12 year old Arabian gelding (Leroy) was diagnosed with GPM in November 2008 and lab tests confirmed that both Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi were present. Because Leroy did not show "classic" symptoms of GPM (no bloody nasal discharge, etc.), we first attempted a conservative treatment approach of oral fluconazole pills.

Within 2 weeks it was apparent that the fluconazole alone was not going to take care of the infection, as the discharge was still persistent. Leroy's doctor at NBC recommended a surgical procedure in which they would arthoscopically (? I'm not sure if that is the correct term, but they used a scope) burn a hole through the back of his guttural pouch and into his pharynx, thus changing the environment of his GP and hopefully making it a less conducive environment for the fungi to thrive. This surgery was an alternative to the (as I understand it) more commonly performed balloon catheterization or coil embolization procedure, which are more invasive procedures. (Please forgive me if I'm mistaken or not using the correct technical terms - these are my words, not my doctor's). In addition to the surgery, we followed that up with about 45 days of daily oral fluconazole pills.

At any rate, the surgery was performed and, by all accounts, appears to have been successful. Leroy required a tracheotomy due to some problems as he was coming out of the anaesthesia, but that has since healed and all signs of the GPM infection have ceased. We will return to NBC in late spring (6+ months post surgery) for a follow-up just to confirm (via scope) that the fungi is no longer present, but all signs indicate that we've successfully beaten this infection!

I'm so grateful to NBC, Leroy's doctor and his team for their help and patience in getting us through this. If anyone's horse has GPM, I would highly recommend NBC to them!
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 10, 2009 - 8:38 pm:

Thanks for sharing this good news, Melanie.

Just the kind of news that we like to hear!
Member:
hollyw

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 10, 2009 - 9:53 pm:

What an interesting type of surgery. Sounds much better than balloons and coils. Glad it worked and that Leroy . . . (LOL . . . knew some pretty goofy-looking "Leroys" as I was growing up) is healed up. It's been a long haul for you. Hope he is all chipper and enjoying feeling better.
Member:
sass

Posted on Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 - 9:52 pm:

Hello ! I was interested in this discussion, and was curious of the end/total cost of the horses treatment at New Bolton? I have a mare that will be undergoing diagnostic exam and possible GPM treatment . Last week there was blood on the wall of the stall, and after checking her out , i found blood coming from her right nostril,a few days later, more blood... so I called the vet right away and this morning she was scoped, but the vet could not really give me a definite cause as to the bleeding.. so I opted to take her to NB as soon as possible , however I am a little concerned over the cost of the treatment/procedure should it turn out to actually be GPM... I am glad to see that the outcome was good for the gelding , thought it interesting that he was an arab as well... I thought perhaps if I could find out the name of the surgeon that worked on this horse?? and a little more information ? as i have never had to go through this , or anything remotely like this...
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