Nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses: 47 cases (1972-1985)

Area of Science:

• Equine Medicine
• Veterinary Surgery
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Nasopharyngeal cicatrices are a potential cause of upper airway dysfunction in horses.
• Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of these cicatrices is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses presenting with respiratory signs.
• To identify correlations between nasopharyngeal cicatrices and signalment (age, sex) and concurrent upper airway abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Endoscopic examination of the upper airway in 47 horses with abnormal respiratory noises or exercise intolerance.
• Retrospective review of case records to correlate cicatrization with signalment and other findings.

Main Results:

• Nasopharyngeal cicatrices were identified in 47 horses (mean age 12.7 years).
• Females were 2.7 times more likely to be affected than males.
• Commonly associated abnormalities included arytenoid chondritis, epiglottic, and guttural pouch opening deformities.

Conclusions:

• Nasopharyngeal cicatrices are associated with age and sex in horses.
• These cicatrices frequently occur with other upper airway conditions, suggesting a common inflammatory etiology.
• Significant respiratory obstruction was uncommon, and no horses in this study underwent treatment for the cicatrix.