Equine nasal cysts
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2007-11-19T18:42:09Z
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Robot-assisted fix [[WP:DPL|links to disambiguation page]] Sinus
'''[[Equine]] nasal cysts''' are [[epithelium]] lined, single or loculated cavities filled with fluid or [[pus]]. They normally form in the [[ventral concha]], [[maxillary sinus]]es, and can extend down the nasal passages into the frontal sinuses.
[[Congenital]] forms have been previously described. Cysts in the sinus can be found in horses less than a year old, although rarely, but can also be seen in those 9 years and older.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sinus Cysts | work = The Merck Veterinary Manual | date = 2006 | url = http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/121326.htm | accessdate = 2007-07-10 }}</ref> The clinical signs normally present as nasal discharge, facial swelling and in major cases, partial or total obstruction of the nasal airway can result.
==Diagnosis==
[[X-ray|Radiographs]] generally provide better results than [[Endoscope|endoscopic]] examination when diagnosing these problems; multiloculated densities and fluid lines show up more readily in the sinuses, occasionally with dental displacement and also dental & jaw line distortion, flattened roots in the teeth, mineralization & soft tissue calcification, and major deviation of the [[septum]] and [[vomer]] bones.
==Treatment==
Treatment involves radical surgical removal of the cyst and any of the involved lining of the concha - this would normally be tested by a laboratory, since there is a risk that some nasal cysts may be [[cancer]]ous. In cases where such cancer shows in a removed nasal cyst, treatment can follow two courses. [[Radiotherapy]] is one, where the cancerous area is subjected to moderate doses of radiation, over a period of several weeks, with tissue testing being undertaken during the treatment. The other is via the administration of [[cytotoxic]] drugs, to travel through the bloodstream and attack the cancer cells.
==Prognosis==
If the cyst is benign, the prognosis for a complete recovery is extremely good, and the rate of any recurrence is minimal. Some horses may have a mild mucous discharge after surgery, which can be permanent, but this does not generally seem to cause problems. However, if the cyst does transpire to be [[malignant]], the prognosis becomes worse, with roughly 70% survival, as opposed to a norm of 95% plus with benign cysts.
==See also==
[[Ethmoid hematoma]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Horse diseases|Nasal cysts]]
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