Treatment of epiglottic entrapment by transnasal axial division in standing sedated horses using a shielded hook bistoury

Objectives: To report use of a shielded hook bistoury developed for correction of epiglottic fold entrapment in standing sedated horses. Study Design: Prospective clinical study. Animals: Standardbreds (n=8), 3–19 years of age. Methods: Epiglottic fold entrapment was corrected during standing sedation using a shielded hook bistoury passed nasally into the pharynx. Owners, trainers, and referring veterinarians were contacted by telephone to establish outcome. Results: Axial division of the entrapping epiglottic fold was successful in all horses. No short‐ or long‐term complications occurred. Axial transection of the entrapping fold was performed rapidly (mean, 83 seconds between advancing the bistoury into the pharynx and transection of the entrapping fold). Conclusion: Transnasal axial division of the aryepiglottic fold can be accomplished safely using the shielded hook bistoury. The shield mechanism minimizes the risk of injury from the cutting blade to adjacent structures.