Epistaxis Flashcards
The external location of epistaxis, unilateral vs bilateral, can be determined by what 2 factors?
- Actual location of lesion (rostral or not to nasal septum)
- Volume
What are 2 possible causes of bilateral bleeding?
- Nasogastric intubation
- Ethmoid hematoma
What is a possible cause of unilateral bleeding?
Guttural pouch mycosis
What are 7 variable characteristics that can be used to describe epistaxis?
- External location (uni/bilateral)
- Appearance of bloody discharge
- Time (acute/chronic)
- Frequency (constant/intermittent)
- Odor (non-odorous/malodorous = ozena)
- Volume (mild/profuse)
- Associated systemic signs
What are the 3 main differentials for epistaxis?
What are 4 other possible causes?
- Ethmoid hematoma, guttural pouch mycosis, EIPH (exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage)
- Sinus hemorrhage, coagulopathies, trauma (FBs), fungal granulomas
What are 5 important features of ethmoid hematoma?
- Older males
- Often ozena
- Can have purulent discharge associated
- Airway obstruction can be seen
- Facial deformity can be seen
What are 2 diagnostic procedures that can be used for ethmoid hematomas?
- Radiography
- CT/MRI
What are 2 general forms of treatment for ethmoid hematomas?
- Medical
- Surgical
What is an example of a form of medical treatment for ethmoid hematomas?
Intralesional formalin
What are 2 forms of surgical treatment for ethmoid hematomas?
- Laser ablation
- Standard surgical ablation
What are 4 important features of guttural pouch mycosis?
- Generally younger horses
- Some report, especially if in stall/barn
- Recurrent episodes of mild, frank epistaxis until unpredictable major bleeding episode
- Although recurrent, do not usually have small episodes for several months
What is the second most common clinical sign of GPM?
Dorsal displacement of the soft palate
What is the primary clinical sign for guttural pouch mycosis?
Epistaxis
What type of therapy is indicated for guttural pouch mycosis?
Surgical therapy
What are 4 types of surgical therapy that can be used for guttural pouch mycosis?
- Ligation
- Balloon catheterization
- Detachable self-sealing latex balloons
- Transarterial coil embolisation
Guttural pouch mycosis can be treated medically if what clinical sign is absent?
Epistaxis
What are 2 examples of topical antifungal therapies for guttural pouch mycosis?
- Indwelling flush system
- Endoscope guided flush
What is the prognosis for guttural pouch mycosis with epistaxis?
What percentage of these patients will succumb to a fatal bleeding episode?
- Guarded
- 50%