Diseases of the Equine Nasal Passages & Paranasal Sinuses Flashcards
What are the most common causes of unilateral epistaxis?
- dry mucous membranes (cold weather)
- exertion
- ethmoid hematoma
- nasal polyps
- guttural pouch mycosis
- neoplasia
What are the most common causes of bilateral epistaxis?
- EIPH in racehorses and barrel horses
- head trauma
- clotting disorders
- severe pleuropneumonia
What are the sources of motor and sensory innervation to the nostrils? What keeps them from collapsing?
- MOTOR = facial nerve
- SENSORY = trigeminal nerve
cartilaginous support over nasoincisive notch
What is being pointed to in this picture?
nasal diverticulum (false nostril)
What are external nares atheromas (epidermal inclusion cysts)? How are they diagnosed?
cyst in the false nostril of unknown etiology
- unilateral spherical nodule within the nasal diverticulum noted on PE
- FNA and cytology
How are external nares atheromas treated? What is prognosis like?
surgical (cosmetic) removal or drainage into the nasal cavity and destruction of the cyst lining with a roaring burr
excellent —> no recurrence reported
External nares atheroma (epidermal inclusion cyst) removal:
What are some causes of general nasal passage problems?
- trauma
- inflammation
- infection: abscess, granuloma
- neoplasia
- congenital: Wry Nose = crooked, deviated nasal septum (can affect nursing and ability to become an athelete)
What are common clinical signs associated with nasal septum problems?
- respiratory noise
- decreased outflow
- nasal discharge
- facial deformity
What is the most helpful view when radiographically diagnosing nasal septum abnormalities? What other modalities can be used?
DV —> able to view thickening, malformation, and septal deviation
- CT
- endoscopy (not as helpful)
How are nasal septum problems most commonly treated? What must occur?
resection of the septum
leave rostral section intact to avoid collapse
What is a nasal polyp? What are the most common clinical signs? How is it treated?
pedunculated growths from the mucosal of the nasal cavity or septum
- inspiratory dyspnea
- nasal discharge
- odor
surgical excision
What is a progressive ethmoid hematoma?
usually unilateral, non-neoplastic mass that originated from the submucosa of the ethmoid labyrinth or paranasal sinuses that is able to slowly expand down the nasal passages and/or into the sinuses
What is the most common clinical sign seen with ethmoidal hematomas? What else is seen?
unilateral, mild, intermittent, epistaxis of serosanguinous discharge
- respiratory noise
- dyspnea
- head shaking
- halitosis
- facial deformity
What definitive diagnostic is used for ethmoidal hematomas?
endoscopy —> greenish-yellow to purplish-red mass with a smooth surface +/- fungal plaques (can be biopsied!)