Gastric impaction and obstruction of the small intestine associated with persimmon phytobezoar in a horse

Signs of mild colic, intermittent lethargy, and weight loss of 6 weeks' duration in a 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding were attributed to persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) phytobezoar formation. Diagnosis of the phytobezoar was facilitated by gastric endoscopy. Signs of gastrointestinal tract obstruction were associated with a large phytobezoar in the lumen of the stomach, gastric ulceration, and obstruction of the small intestine (as a consequence of fragmentation of the primary bezoar). Conservative treatment, using mineral oil and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, was unsuccessful. A celiotomy was performed, and gastric impaction and partial obstruction of the small intestine associated with phytobezoar formation and fragmentation were identified. The horse made a complete recovery following removal of all phytobezoars. Persimmon phytobezoar should be considered in the fall and winter as a possible cause of lethargy, colic, and weight loss in horses allowed access to persimmon fruit.     

Esophageal duplication cyst as a cause of choke in the horse

A mare was examined for episodic choking and an abscess in the perilaryngeal region. One month before referral, the mass progressively enlarged, causing esophageal choking. An extraluminal compression of the esophagus 90 cm from the external nares was found on endoscopy and contrast radiography. Serosanguinous fluid aspirated from the mass contained keratinized squamous cells and neutrophils, compatible with an esophageal cyst. Surgical exploration was performed, with incomplete surgical excision. The remaining portion of the cyst was marsupialized and treated locally with a 2% inorganic iodine solution. Further episodes of esophageal choke in this horse have not been reported.     

Use of a carbonated beverage to disintegrate a phytobezoar obstructing the intrathoracic portion of the oesophagus of a horse

This report describes the treatment of a 17-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding for an oesophageal obstruction of approximately 24 h’ duration. An intraluminal oesophageal mass resembling a phytobezoar and located close to the cardia, was observed during endoscopic examination of the oesophagus of a horse showing signs of oesophageal obstruction. An intrathoracic oesophageal diverticulum, filled with fluid, was observed about 40 cm proximal to the obstruction. The end of a nasogastric tube was guided beyond the diverticulum, using gastroscopic observation, so that its tip rested close to the obstruction. The obstruction failed to disintegrate or move into the stomach despite vigorous, prolonged lavage. With the nasogastric tube left in place, and the horse's head elevated, 0.5 L cola was administered adjacent to the obstruction through the nasogastric tube. The head was maintained in the elevated position for an hour, after which time the head was lowered and oesophageal lavage resumed. The nasogastric tube was passed into the stomach within 3 min of re-instituting lavage. The successful use of a carbonated beverage to treat human patients for oesophageal or gastrointestinal obstruction caused by a phytobezoar is well documented. Carbonated beverages have also been reported to be effective in treating horses for gastric and enteric impactions caused by persimmon seeds. Administering cola into the oesophagus may help resolve oesophageal obstruction of horses caused by a phytobezoar or impacted feed material when horses are refractory to other treatments.     

Esophageal patch grafting as a treatment for esophageal stricture in a horse.

Esophageal patch grafting, using the sternocephalicus muscle, was used for treatment of cervical esophageal stricture in a mare. The mare was maintained during the initial healing phase by total parenteral nutrition.     

Dermatographism in a horse

An eight-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with dermatographic urticaria is presented. Forelimb edema and generalized urticaria were the presenting clinical signs. All hematologic and serum biochemical values were normal. Immunologic and histologic evaluation failed to reveal specific abnormalities. During hospitalization, an urticarial response to mechanical pressure (dermatographism) was identified. Clinical responses to corticosteroid and antihistaminic (H1) therapy were equivocal. The condition resolved in five weeks and an etiology was not discovered. A discussion of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of dermatographic urticaria in humans is included with the report.     

Giardiasis in a horse

Giardia infection was believed responsible for chronic diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, inappetence, and dermatitis in a 4-year-old Thoroughbred horse. Fecal cysts were detected by the zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation method. All clinical signs resolved upon treatment with metronidazole suspension (5 mg/kg body weight per os, TID for 10 days).     

Choledocholithiasis in a horse

Choledocholithiasis was diagnosed in a five-year-old gelding on the basis of laboratory results and histopathology. Surgery was performed to relieve the obstruction. The horse responded favorably and at 39 days postoperatively was clinically and clinicopathologically normal.     

Neuromyotonia in a horse

This article describes the clinical and electromyographic findings of neuromyotonia in a 19‐month‐old male crossbred Quarter Horse that presented with stiffness and muscle asymmetry in the hind limbs as well as sacrococcygeal, paravertebral, and gluteal myokymia. An electromyographic study showed spontaneous continuous muscle fiber activity with high‐frequency discharges, fibrillations, positive sharp waves, fasciculation potentials, and complex repetitive discharges. Histological examination of the gluteal muscle showed a mixed neurogenic and myopathic pattern. The findings are consistent with neuromyotonia.     

Chromomycosis in a horse

A 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was examined because it had a sharply circumscribed, firm, brown-black, roughly spherical dermal nodule at the right tuber ischii. After it was excised, the lesion did not recur. Microscopically, the dermis of the excised specimen had multiple pyogranulomas, many of which contained thick-walled, dark brown fungal elements, some with internal septation compatible with chromomycotic fungi. Chromomycosis is a rare skin disease in the horse. It may be included in the differential diagnoses of nodular and/or pigmented skin lesions that include melanoma, pyogranuloma, mycetoma, squamous cell carcinoma, habronemiasis, and onchocerciasis.