## Overview Problems related to the guttural pouch (empyema, tympany, or mycosis) can affect surrounding structures, producing difficulty swallowing, nasal return of feed, or visible swelling in the throatlatch. The pouch lies close to cranial nerves and major vessels, so disease there readily causes secondary signs. ## Causes Distension or inflammation of the pouch compressing nerves or the pharynx. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy and imaging of the guttural pouches, plus neurologic assessment. ## Treatment Directed at the underlying pouch disease (lavage, surgery for tympany, antifungal and vascular occlusion for mycosis). ## Recovery and Prognosis Depends on the primary condition and whether nerve damage is reversible. ## Prevention Early treatment of guttural pouch infections.
difficulty swallowing; nasal discharge of food; throatlatch swelling; may accompany empyema or tympany
## Overview Problems related to the guttural pouch (empyema, tympany, or mycosis) can affect surrounding structures, producing difficulty swallowing, nasal return of feed, or visible swelling in the throatlatch. The pouch lies close to cranial nerves and major vessels, so disease there readily causes secondary signs. ## Causes Distension or inflammation of the pouch compressing nerves or the pharynx. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy and imaging of the guttural pouches, plus neurologic assessment. ## Treatment Directed at the underlying pouch disease (lavage, surgery for tympany, antifungal and vascular occlusion for mycosis). ## Recovery and Prognosis Depends on the primary condition and whether nerve damage is reversible. ## Prevention Early treatment of guttural pouch infections.
difficulty swallowing; nasal discharge of food; throatlatch swelling; may accompany empyema or tympany