Metallic foreign bodies in the mouth or pharynx of horses: seven cases (1983-1989)

Seven horses with metallic foreign bodies in the mouth or pharynx were examined at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1983 to 1989. The horses had variable clinical signs, such as purulent nasal discharge, swelling of the throatlatch area, and dyspnea. Most of the horses had clinical signs for more than 2 weeks, and had no or only temporary improvement with conservative medical treatment (antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The definitive diagnostic test in all of the cases was radiography, which also aided in the plan for surgical removal of the foreign body. Once the foreign body was removed from each of the horses, their clinical signs resolved. Most of the foreign bodies were small pieces of wire, the sources of which could not be determined, but that may have been incorporated in baled hay.