Better information makes for healthier horses,
Horseadvice.com is where equine science and horse sense intersect.

Guttural Pouch Tympany (GPT) in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Signalment » Symptoms » Diagnosis » Treatment » Prognosis » More Info 

The guttural pouch is a unique respiratory structure of the horse consisting of 2 large blind air-filled pouches in the back of the throat (pharynx). The entrance to these pouches are 2 narrow slits in the back of the throat and the two pouches share a common wall. The equine guttural represents a out-pouching of the auditory (eustachian) tube and whose function is not clear. It has been suggested that it could act to cool the brain by ventilating and cooling the internal carotid arteries which travel in the wall of the guttural pouches. The air circulating in the pouch cools the blood which in turn cools the brain. Experiments support this possibility.

In some newborns and growing horses the opening acts as a one way valve that inflates the pouch but does not allow the air to escape. When this occurs a non-painful swelling in the throatlatch occurs either unilaterally or bilaterally. Though not often a problem itself it can cause difficult swallowing and aspiration of food and water into the lungs. This article discusses the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of guttural pouch tympany.
      ~Word Count: 830 words (The average magazine page contains about 600 words);
      ~Last Updated: September 08, 2009;

There are 2 ways to access the complete article:

You have just read the introduction to one of our nearly 800 articles on horse care, diseases, and training. It includes a description of the contents of the unabridged version. As a guest you can access this article two different ways: either purchase the article or become a member and take advantage of all the benefits Horseadvice.com has to offer. Check out our Membership Drive Discount below but hurry. This is for a limited time!
BBB Reliability Seal Your assurance of excellent customer service.
128 bit SSL encryption We use 128 bit SSL encryption, so your order is secure.

#1: Article Purchase: $7 US for instant access to the unabridged article.

We guarantee your satisfaction or we will refund the purchase price:

#2 Join Horseadvice: for as little as $4 US a month you get instant access to this article and one of the finest equine resources in the world!

During our membership drive we will waive our 10$ Join Fee!

Full Access with No Posting: 4$ US a month

  • Recommended to those who wish to have full access to one of the finest equine resources, including articles and discussions, but does not feel the need to post to the discussion boards.
  • 14$ 4$ US to join which includes the first month. Membership automatically renews monthly for 4$ US. You may cancel anytime online.
Full Access Membership
Price: 14$ US
Membership Drive Price: 4$ US
(includes first month access)

Full Access with Discussion Posting: 7$ US a month

  • Recommended to those who wish to have full access to one of the finest equine resources anywhere and engage an equine veterinarian and experienced horsefolks with questions and discussions on all aspects of horses and horsemanship.
  • 31$ 21$ US to join, which includes the first 3 months. Membership then automatically renews monthly for 7$ US. You may cancel anytime online.
Full Service Membership
Price: 31$ US
Membership Drive Price: 21$ US
(includes 3 months service)

Uncertain if you want to become part of one of the finest most up-to-date equine resources in the world? Click Here for More Information!

Discussions on Guttural Pouch Tympany
  Titles Subtopics Posts Updated
iconSwollen mass as jaw/kneck level24 Sep 14, 08
iconResearch Summary: Roaring associated with correction of tympanyApr 18, 07
iconGuttural Pouch Mycosis27 Aug 13, 06
iconSwollen cheeks10 Apr 27, 06
iconNew Article on Guttural Pouch TympanyNov 30, 04
Before posting be sure to review the articles on your topic and preexisting discussions to see if your question has been answered.

Start a New Discussion
Home Page | Todays Discussions | Search | Top of Page Administration
  http://www.horseadvice.com
is The Horseman's Advisor
Helping Thousands of Equestrians, Farriers, and Veterinarians Every Day
All rights reserved, © 2009
BBB Reliability Seal