Cyst of the Guttural Pouch in a Foal: A Case Report.
Authors: Bandera Lorenza, Celani Gianluca, Straticò Paola, Mascioni Angela, Albanese Valeria, Petrizzi Lucio
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Guttural Pouch Cyst in a Neonatal Foal Whilst cystic lesions of the equine upper airway are well documented, those originating within the guttural pouch itself remain exceptionally uncommon—making this case of a 16-day-old Warmblood foal with dysphagia a clinically significant presentation. The diagnosis was established through endoscopic visualisation, which revealed a cyst protruding into the pharyngeal vault and mechanically obstructing normal pharyngeal function and swallowing. Rather than conventional surgical drainage via the guttural pouch itself, the authors elected for transendoscopic laser fenestration (using a diode laser), creating communication between the cyst and the pharynx to permit drainage and resolution of the obstruction. The foal showed complete resolution of dysphagia with no recurrence at 12-month follow-up, demonstrating the efficacy of this minimally invasive approach. For practitioners managing neonatal foals with persistent or unexplained dysphagia unresponsive to routine management, thorough endoscopic evaluation of the entire upper airway—including careful examination of the guttural pouches—should be considered, as this case demonstrates that cystic lesions, though rare, warrant inclusion in the differential diagnosis.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Guttural pouch cysts are rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis for foals presenting with dysphagia; perform complete endoscopic examination of upper airways including guttural pouches
- •Transendoscopic laser fenestration is an effective minimally invasive surgical option for guttural pouch cysts with good long-term outcomes
- •Early diagnosis and treatment of upper airway cysts in foals can prevent complications and allow normal feeding and development
Key Findings
- •A 16-day-old foal presented with dysphagia caused by a guttural pouch cyst protruding into the pharyngeal vault
- •Transendoscopic fenestration using diode laser successfully drained the cyst and resolved clinical signs
- •No recurrence was observed at 12-month follow-up following minimally invasive endoscopic treatment
- •Thorough endoscopic examination of the guttural pouches should be performed in foals with persistent dysphagia