Epiglottic augmentation in the horse

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Equine Medicine
• Laryngeal Surgery

Background:

• Epiglottic abnormalities can affect equine upper airway function.
• Surgical augmentation techniques aim to improve epiglottic structure and function.
• Injectable materials and cartilage grafts are potential options for epiglottic augmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of epiglottic augmentation in horses using injectable bovine collagen or auricular cartilage grafts.
• To assess the short-term effects and tissue reactions associated with these augmentation materials.

Main Methods:

• Twelve horses with normal epiglottises underwent augmentation with either bovine collagen or autogenous/allogenous auricular cartilage.
• Procedures were assessed via endoscopy and radiography.
• Histopathological examination was performed post-euthanasia at various time points.

Main Results:

• Grafting procedures were technically straightforward with no apparent discomfort.
• Collagen implants remained visible as submucosal bulges; cartilage grafts showed poor incorporation.
• Histopathology revealed a foreign body reaction to collagen and submucosal fibrosis causing thickening, particularly with collagen implants.
• Pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia was noted with cartilage grafts but not collagen.

Conclusions:

• Injectable bovine collagen and cartilage grafts can be used for equine epiglottic augmentation.
• Collagen implants persist and induce a foreign body reaction leading to thickening.
• Cartilage grafts demonstrate poor incorporation and may cause lymphoid hyperplasia.