Guttural Pouch Disorders

There are 3 types of guttural pouch disorder; they are caused by either a bacterial or fungal infection or trapped air. All of which are extremely devastating. The horse can not only suffer from ill health, but depression and even death. Therefore it is necessary for a vet to assess the horse immediately.

A horse has two guttural pouches; each one is filled with and controls the flow of air around the auditory tubes, regulating the pressure of the eardrum and also acting as a blood cooling chamber.

Guttural Pouch Tympany

This occurs mostly in foals; fillies more than in colts. The air enters the guttural pouch by the auditory canal but then is unable to leave via the pharynx. This causes swelling and if the area is tapped, it will sound drum like. An endoscopic examination will determine the disease, and it is commonly treated with surgery.

Guttural Pouch Empyema

This is caused by bacteria entering through the pharynx into the guttural pouch. Usually bacteria is dealt with by the guttural pouch, if not, it will cause a build up of pus. Again, it will be swollen with pus secreting from the nostrils. The horse may also have breathing difficulties. Again, an endoscopic examination will determine the infection. Often an incision will be made at the side of the pouch to drain the pus which is then flushed out. Antibiotics or pain killers may also be given to reduce any inflammation.

Guttural Pouch Mycosis

This is caused by a fungal infection and is the most serious of these types of disorder. The infection imbeds itself in the wall of the guttural pouch over an artery. The infected artery then starts to bleed, which cause the horse to bleed to death. The bacterial infections that can cause this awful condition are aspergillus, candida and penicillium. Blood will be noticeable trickling from the nostrils, particularly when the horse is resting. Surgery is the only option for this infection; anti-fungal drugs will also be prescribed.