8/20 - Equine Esophagus

Striated

The upper 2/3 of the horse esophagus has what type of muscle?

Smooth

The lower 1/3 of the horse esophagus has what type of muscle?

Choke

What is the term for an obstruction in the horse esophagus?

Ptyalism

What condition is the most common clinical sign for esophageal disease in horses, and refers to hypersalivation? It can occur for other causes as well.

Slaframine

What fungal toxin can cause ptyalism and is found growing in some legumes like clover? It causes a condition called slobbers.

Prehension

Dysphagia due to problems with what can involve cranial nerve VII?

Mastication

Dysphagia due to problems with what can involve cranial nerves V, VII, and XII?

Swallowing

Dysphagia due to problems with what can involve cranial nerve IX and X?

Guttural Pouch

Diseases affecting what structure in the horse head can include bacterial empyema, fungal mycosis, and tympany in foals, and presents with signs such as nasal discharge, noisy breathing, and swelling behind the jaw? Fungal infections are the most dangerous due to eroding arteries and causing life-threatening nosebleeds. Diagnosis is with endoscopy, and treatment is by flushing and giving antibiotics, plus possible surgery.

No

Are esophageal neoplasias common in the horse?

Xylazine

Sedation with what drug is likely the first step, along with a nasogastric tube, when dealing with possible choke cases in the horse? This lowers the head below the point of the shoulder and is also analgesic.

Buscopan

What drug (N-butylscopolammonium bromide) is given to relax the esophagus in choke cases in the caudal third of the esophagus to act on smooth muscle?

Oxytocin

What drug is given to relax the esophagus in choke cases in the cranial 2/3 of the esophagus to act on striated muscle? It should not be given to pregnant mares.

48

The critical time in treating a choke case is the first how many hours after signs appear, when refeeding can be done? You should account for esophageal inflammation, abnormal motility, re-obstruction, and dietary modifications.

Yes

In choke cases over 48 hours, should you give broad spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, sucralfate, and consider refeeding requirements?

Aspiration Pneumonia

What condition is the most important factor to consider as a complication of choke? Esophageal stricture and rupture can also occur.

Megaesophagus

What condition can be acquired or congenital, can occur following a prolonged choke episode, and must have an underlying myopathy ruled out to diagnose (Friesian)? Treatment is by targeting the underlying cause, modifying the diet, and it often has poor prognosis. Management should include elevating feed and giving soft food.

Friesian

Which horse breed can have muscular hypertrophy of the caudal esophagus?