Pathology of Pharynx and Larynx

Question 1

What is equine laryngeal hemiplegia?

Answer 1

• primary denervation of left recurrent laryngeal nerve leading to muscle atrophy
• incomplete dilation of larynx during inspiration of exercise

Question 2

What is the lay term for equine laryngeal hemiplasia?

Answer 2

roaring

Question 3

What are the associated clinical signs of laryngeal hemiplasia?

Answer 3

• inspiratory noise

- exercise intolerance

Question 4

What are the causes of laryngeal hemiplasia? (4)

Answer 4

• atrophy of left dorsal and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles
• denervation of left recurrent laryngeal nerve
• idiopathic axonopathy of cranial laryngeal nerve
• inflammation or tumors of guttural pouch or medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes

Question 5

What are the gross lesions of laryngeal hemiplasia?

Answer 5

• degeneration of left recurrent laryngeal nerve

- atrophy of left cricoarytenoid muscle

Question 6

List 3 lesions of the pharynx and larynx that can obstruct air movement.

Answer 6

1. hypoplastic epiglottis
2. pharyngeal and subepiglottic cysts
3. pharyngeal/laryngeal edema