RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Diagnosis of concurrent oesophageal and tracheal rupture in a horse
JF Veterinary Record Case Reports
JO Vet Rec Case Rep
FD British Veterinary Association
SP e000007
DO 10.1136/vetreccr-2013-000007
VO 1
IS 1
A1 Findley, Judith A.
A1 Rubio-Martinez, Luis M.
YR 2013
UL http://vetrecordcasereports.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000007.abstract
AB This case report describes investigation of a nine-year-old gelding initially presented to the referring veterinary surgeon with swelling of the ventral neck following blunt trauma. Progressive inappetence and an episode of oesophageal obstruction prompted referral after two weeks. Diagnostic imaging including plain radiography, endoscopic evaluation of trachea and oesophagus, as well as ultrasonography were performed. A diagnosis of concurrent oesophageal and tracheal perforation was obtained. The initial medical management of the case involved placement of a tracheostomy tube and an indwelling nasogastric tube to allow for enteral feeding in conjunction with broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The horse was euthanased as a result of extensive contamination of the soft tissues extending to the level of the thoracic inlet. Indications and options for surgical treatment of this condition are discussed.