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  Discussion on Nasopharyngeal cicatrix - need advice please
Author Message
Member:
Tuckern

Posted on Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 - 1:37 pm:

I posted this once, but didn't get any response, so maybe I put it in the wrong place. Anyway, I'm trying again.

I'm writing on behalf of a friend whose horse is having some problems and the vet wants to do a permanent tracheostomy. I've never heard of doing this on a horse, but then I'm just a backyard horse owner, and am learning new things everyday. ;0)

I received this email from my friend about her horse. Is there anyone out there who could give us some advice?

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Max started having breathing difficulties. I had out my regular vet and he referred me to a specialist at the race track which referred me to a specialist at Texas A&M. Max was diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal cicatrix. He had surgery at Texas A&M, It did not fix the problem. Here is what the doctor at Texas A&M wrote:

Endoscopy: Nasopharyngeal cicatrix was present with scars extending from the lateral aspect of the pharynx to the soft palate. The arytenoids were thickened and the epiglottis would occasionally slip under the soft palate (temporary). Max had a bilateral white nasal discharge.

Treatment: A diode laser was used to make cuts in the scarring to help open up Max's pharyngeal region. Max was given 500 mg Banamine IV and 20 mg Dexamethasone IV to control inflammation and pain.

The vet at A&M believes this is caused by something in the environment, but they do not know what. They mainly see this problem around the coastal areas of Texas. Their method of treatment is laser surgery and then if that fails, tracheotomy.

I'm wondering if it could be caused by a sinus infection or something like that. I know when I get allot of drainage it irritates my throat. Possibly something like that is happening and it is actually scarring his throat?

Max has had a nasal discharge every since I've had him and everyone I've taken him to has blown me off as a crazy woman for worrying about it.
Maybe I am but I still want to know what is causing it and at least fix that problem.
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Thanks in advance for your help.
Nicole
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Mar 17, 2006 - 7:24 am:

Hello Nicole,
We try to avoid doing third hand consults for a number or reasons but the problem above seems straight forward: she wants to know where the nasal discharge is coming from and why. This answer should be available from the person who did the scoping.
DrO
Member:
Tuckern

Posted on Friday, Mar 17, 2006 - 11:42 am:

Thank you DrO.
I didn't think you could offer anything else because it was third hand, but I told my friend that I would post it anyway.
Thanks again,
Nicole
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