Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Transendoscopic contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser treatment of tympany of the auditory tube diverticulum in two foals.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1994
- Authors:
- Tetens, J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two Standardbred foals were treated for a condition called tympany of the auditory tube diverticulum, which is an abnormal swelling in the area of their ear tubes. The treatment involved using a special laser to create an opening in the affected area without risking damage to nearby nerves. In one foal, the problem came back, so the veterinarians had to make the opening larger using a different technique. While this laser method is generally safe and can be done while the foals are sedated, there is a chance that the issue could return if the opening closes up or if both sides are affected. Overall, the treatment was effective, but there is a possibility of recurrence.
Abstract
Tympany of the auditory tube diverticulum was treated in 2 Standardbred foals by fenestrating the median septum, using an endoscopically placed Nd:YAG laser. Recurrence in 1 foal was treated by enlarging the fenestration, using a modified Whitehouse approach, and the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube. Use of the Nd:YAG laser eliminates the risk of inadvertent cranial nerve damage associated with incisions into the auditory tube diverticulum. The procedure can be performed with the horse sedated or anesthetized. Clinical signs can recur in the fenestration heals closed or if the condition is bilateral rather than unilateral.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8077138/