A large air-filled sac that develops as a ventral diverticulum of the auditory tube in the horse. Located dorsal to the pharynx the paired sacs cause swelling in the parotid region when distended. Several large vessels and nerves run over its surface and are vulnerable to pathology of the pouch.
- g. p. empyema — causes local swelling visible in the throat region, dysphagia and a purulent nasal discharge.
- g. p. mycosis — may result in erosion of the internal carotid artery and sudden, spontaneous nose-bleeding which may cause exsanguination. Dysphagia, abnormal respiratory sounds and Horner's syndrome also occur.
- g. p. tympany — occurs mainly in foals during the first few days of life. Causes enormous swelling of the throat but little distress.
Guttural pouch tympany. By permission fromKnottenbelt DC, Pascoe RR, Diseases and Disorders of theHorse, Saunders, 2003
