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Interpretation of laryngeal function tests in the horse
The Veterinary Record
|May 10, 1986
Summary
Idiopathic laryngeal paralysis affects 8.3% of thoroughbreds, often appearing only during exercise. Asynchronous arytenoid cartilage movement is common in healthy horses but can also indicate laryngeal hemiplegia.
Area of Science:
- Equine respiratory diseases
- Equine upper airway disorders
Background:
- Idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (ILP) is a progressive upper airway condition in horses.
- Diagnosis can be challenging as clinical signs may only manifest during strenuous exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of idiopathic left-sided laryngeal paralysis in Thoroughbred horses.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of resting laryngeal assessments compared to exercise-induced findings.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on 169 Thoroughbred horses on a single farm.
- Laryngeal function was assessed at rest and during exercise, focusing on arytenoid cartilage movement and inspiratory noise.
Main Results:
- Idiopathic left-sided laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed in 8.3% of horses (14/169).
- In 9 horses, paralysis was only apparent after exercise; resting assessments were normal.
- Asynchronous arytenoid movement at rest was observed in 55.6% of horses, with most considered normal post-exercise.
Conclusions:
- Resting laryngeal examinations may not detect all cases of idiopathic laryngeal paralysis in horses.
- Exercise-induced evaluation is crucial for diagnosing equine laryngeal hemiplegia.
- Asynchronous arytenoid movement at rest is a common finding in otherwise healthy horses.