[Sonographic diagnosis of lingual abscess formation in 2 horses with feeding difficulties]

Feeding disorders in horses may have various underlying causes. A thorough clinical examination of the oral cavity is essential for clarification and is often supplemented by imaging techniques such as oral endoscopy, radiography, and computed tomography (CT) of the head. Sonographic examinations of the head and oral cavity are less commonly described diagnostic methods for the investigation of feeding disorders. This case report describes 2 horses presented to the clinic due to impaired feed intake. In both cases the radiographic examination of the head did not reveal any abnormalities related to the clinical presentation. However, in both cases ultrasonography of the tongue identified an abscess in the mid to caudal section of the tongue both via direct (oral) and an indirect (transcutaneous) approach. Both horses underwent surgical treatment via ultrasound-guided abscess drainage. In the first case, the procedure was performed orally under general anesthesia, while in the second case, it was conducted transcutaneously under sedation. Both horses recovered without postoperative complications and were able to resume normal feeding within a few days. Sonographic examination of the tongue proves to be a valuable and easy-to-use method for detecting lingual abscesses. Oral ultrasonography is particularly suitable for the assessment of the rostral and midsections of the tongue, whereas transcutaneous ultrasonography is advantageous for an examination of the middle and caudal portions of the tongue.