🐴 Guttural Pouch Infections in Horses: Life-Saving Awareness & Treatment in 2025 💀🧠

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

The guttural pouch is a unique part of a horse’s anatomy—and unfortunately, it can also become the site of serious and even life-threatening infections. In 2025, early detection, precise diagnosis, and targeted treatment are essential to prevent complications like bleeding, nerve damage, and infectious disease spread. 🧠🐎

🔬 What Is the Guttural Pouch?

The guttural pouch is an air-filled sac located off the Eustachian tube, within the horse’s throat area. It’s lined with a delicate membrane and lies in close contact with several major arteries and cranial nerves—most notably the internal carotid artery. 🩸

Its function is still being studied, but one theory is that it helps cool blood flowing to the brain during exercise. 💡

🦠 Types of Guttural Pouch Infections

✅ 1. Bacterial Guttural Pouch Empyema

This condition is most often a secondary infection from strangles (Streptococcus equi). In some cases:

• 🧪 The guttural pouch fills with pus and debris
• 💧 The horse may have nasal discharge, often thick and yellow
• 😷 The horse may appear healthy but still spread infection

✅ 2. Guttural Pouch Mycosis (Fungal Infection)

This is far more serious. The fungus—commonly Aspergillus—grows inside the pouch and:

• 🧫 Can erode the wall of the internal carotid artery
• 💀 Leads to massive hemorrhage or death if untreated
• 🧠 May affect cranial nerves, causing difficulty eating, swallowing, or breathing

📋 Symptoms to Watch For

Signs of a guttural pouch problem may include:

• 💧 Chronic nasal discharge—especially bloody or one-sided
• 🥱 Lethargy or dullness
• 🍽️ Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• 💥 Sudden bleeding from the nose (emergency!)

🔍 Diagnosis of Guttural Pouch Disease

Veterinarians typically diagnose these conditions using:

• 🔬 Endoscopy—a camera is inserted through the nose into the guttural pouch
• 🧪 Culture and cytology of the discharge or fluid
• 📸 Advanced imaging (e.g., CT) for surgical planning in complex cases

Endoscopy is the most effective way to visualize bleeding sites, fungal plaques, and pus accumulation. 🧠

💉 Treatment Options in 2025

✅ For Bacterial Empyema

• 🧼 Guttural pouch flushing with sterile fluid
• 💊 Antibiotic packing into the pouch
• 🧪 Systemic antibiotics if necessary

Repeat flushing may be required. It is critical to remove all infected material to prevent persistent shedding. 🧬

⚠️ For Fungal Mycosis

This is a surgical emergency. Antifungal medications alone are typically ineffective.

Best option: A procedure that:

• 💉 Occludes the internal carotid artery using a balloon catheter or coil
• 🛑 Cuts off the blood supply to the fungal plaque

Without blood, the fungus dies—but if untreated, the risk of fatal hemorrhage is high. 🩸

📅 Aftercare & Monitoring

Post-treatment care includes:

• 🧼 Follow-up endoscopy to ensure healing
• 🧪 Cultures to confirm clearance of infection
• 📋 Careful monitoring for signs of recurrence

📲 Ask A Vet for Respiratory Infection Support

Concerned about your horse’s nasal discharge or post-strangles recovery? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App to request an airway and guttural pouch consultation. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the team can advise on diagnostics, endoscopy, flushing protocols, and surgery planning for fungal infections. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

Guttural pouch infections are uncommon but serious. In 2025, with prompt veterinary care and advanced surgical options, horses can fully recover—even from life-threatening fungal cases. Don’t ignore chronic or bloody nasal discharge—get your vet involved fast. ❤️🐎

Need endoscopy or airway diagnostics? Visit AskAVet.com for next-step care 🐴🧠