Laser fenestration of the mesial septum for treatment of guttural pouch chondroids in a pony

Objective-To describe removal of guttural pouch chondroids through a laser fenestrated mesial septum in a pony with an obstructed pharyngeal ostium of the left guttural pouch. Study Design-Case report. Animals-Pony. Methods-Transendoscopic laser neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) fenestration of the mesial guttural pouch septum was made by contact method (bare fiber, 15-25 W, exposure time 4 seconds). Dissected tissue was removed by transendoscopic monopolar electrosurgery (loop electrode, cutting blade) and multiple chondroids of varying size were removed from the left guttural pouch through the fenestration. Results-After removing all chondroids and repeated flushing of the left guttural pouch via the right side, inflammation of the guttural pouch membranes decreased remarkably. The pony was discharged with instructions for transendoscopic lavage once weekly and was reevaluated at 2 months. A permanent septal fenestration was observed and the pony was free of abnormal clinical signs and being used for carriage driving competitions. Conclusion-Nd:YAG laser fenestration of the mesial septum is an approach for access to guttural pouch chondroids. Clinical Relevance-When guttural pouch empyema and/or chondroids is associated with adhesion of the pharyngeal ostium, laser fenestration of the mesial septum from the opposite guttural pouch should be considered as an alternative approach for access, rather than classic external surgical approaches. (c) Copyright 2005 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.