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Unilateral thyroidectomy in 6 horses.

Yvonne A Elce1, Michael W Ross, Elizabeth J Davidson

  • 1Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, 19348, USA.

Veterinary Surgery : VS
|April 15, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Unilateral thyroidectomy in horses successfully removed large thyroid tumors, resolving tracheal compression. However, laryngeal hemiplegia is a potential complication requiring careful surgical technique and monitoring.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Surgery
  • Equine Medicine
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Thyroidectomy is an uncommon surgical procedure in horses.
  • Large, rapidly enlarging thyroid masses can cause significant clinical signs, including tracheal compression and exercise intolerance.
  • Characterizing thyroid tumors pre-operatively can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the surgical technique, complications, and outcomes of unilateral thyroidectomy in horses.
  • To evaluate the utility of ultrasonography in assessing equine thyroid masses.
  • To report on the long-term follow-up of horses undergoing thyroidectomy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records from 1985-2000 for six horses (10-22 years old) with unilateral thyroidectomy.

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  • Data collected included signalment, clinical findings, ultrasonography, surgical technique, complications, and outcome with a minimum 6-month follow-up.
  • Surgical specimens were histopathologically examined.

    • Main Results:

    • Six horses underwent en bloc, unilateral thyroidectomy under general anesthesia for large thyroid masses (125-990 cm³).
    • Post-operative complications included ipsilateral laryngeal hemiplegia in three horses; tracheal compression resolved in all cases.
    • Histopathology revealed adenoma (3), C-cell compact carcinoma (1), and adenocarcinoma (1); no recurrence or metastasis was observed at 6-14 months follow-up.

    Conclusions:

    • Unilateral thyroidectomy is a viable surgical option for horses with large thyroid tumors, effectively resolving compressive signs.
    • Ipsilateral laryngeal hemiplegia is a significant potential complication associated with this procedure.
    • While ultrasonography aids in defining thyroid enlargement, it is not definitive for tumor characterization; pre- and post-operative laryngoscopy and careful surgical nerve isolation are recommended.