Equine exercise intolerance

Question 1

What is laryngeal hemiplegia in horses?

Answer 1

Paresis or paralysis of left arytenoid cartilage (controlled by circoarytenoideus dorsalis ms.) and vocal cords.
Progressive disease.
Affected left recurrent laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus n.) causing neurogenic atrophy of laryngeal musculature.

Question 2

What is the clinical signs of laryngeal hemiplegia?

Answer 2

Roaring (inspiratory noise during exercise)
Asymptomatic at rest

Question 3

What happens in dorsal displacement of the soft palate?

Answer 3

The soft palate moves dorsally and entrap the epiglottis, causing obstruction within the airway and a gurgling resp. noise during expiration due to vibrating of the soft palate.