Partial parotid sialoadenectomy in a horse with parotid ductal carcinoma: Surgical description and case report.
Authors: Zetterström Sandra M, Matz Brad M, Neto Rachel L A L T, Lindley Stephanie E S, Cole Robert C, Wilhite Ray, Boone Lindsey H
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary A 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding presenting with a 10×10 cm swelling beneath the right ear was diagnosed with parotid ductal carcinoma following ultrasound imaging and incisional biopsy, a rare neoplastic condition in equine practice. Surgical management involved partial parotidectomy with marginal tumour excision, en bloc resection of the affected lateral guttural pouch wall, reconstruction using porcine small intestinal submucosal grafting, and intraoperative placement of cisplatin beads followed by postoperative firocoxib therapy (0.1 mg/kg daily). Although the horse experienced significant postoperative complications—including right-sided facial nerve paralysis, dysphagia for fibrous feeds, and surgical site dehiscence requiring second intention healing—partial recovery of facial nerve function occurred within six months, and importantly, no tumour recurrence or metastatic disease was evident at the 12-month follow-up, with the gelding successfully returning to work. This case demonstrates that aggressive surgical intervention combined with regional chemotherapy and systemic anti-inflammatory support can yield favourable long-term outcomes in equine parotid carcinoma, though clinicians should counsel clients on the realistic probability of temporary cranial nerve deficits and prolonged wound healing. Understanding the intimate anatomical relationships between the parotid gland, facial nerve, and guttural pouch is essential for anyone managing this condition surgically.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Partial parotidectomy combined with cisplatin beads may be a viable treatment option for equine parotid carcinoma, though expect significant postoperative complications including facial nerve involvement
- •Plan for prolonged wound healing and postoperative management; this horse experienced dehiscence requiring second-intention healing but eventually returned to function
- •Detailed anatomical knowledge of the parotid region and careful surgical planning are essential to minimize complications during parotid mass removal
Key Findings
- •Partial parotid sialoadenectomy with cisplatin bead implantation achieved tumor-free status at 12 months postoperatively in a horse with parotid carcinoma
- •Postoperative complications included right-sided facial nerve paralysis and surgical site dehiscence, with partial nerve function recovery within 6 months
- •The horse returned to work 12 months after surgery with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastatic disease