Upper respiratory tract endoscopy of the horse

Question 1

What methods of restraint can be used for equine respiratory endoscopy

Answer 1

Chemical sedation:
- alpha-2-agonists (detomidine, xylazine, romifidine)
- butorphanole
Physical restraint:
- nose twitch

Question 2

How is a respiratory endoscope introduced to a horse?

Answer 2

Ventromedially into ventral meatus:
- first 20cm quickly
- avoid ethmoid (causes bleeds)

Question 3

Identify these structures in the nasal passage of a horse

Answer 3

A. Nasomaxillary opening (Aka sinus drainage angle)
B. Ethmoid turbinates

Question 4

What structures can be identified in the pharynx during equine respiratory endoscopy

Answer 4

GP ostia
Nasopharyngeal recess
Soft palate

Question 5

Identify these structures from the equine larynx

Answer 5

Question 6

Identify this pathology from the respiratory endoscopy of a horse

Answer 6

Lymphoid Hyperplasia

Question 7

Identify this pathology from the respiratory endoscopy of a horse (R arytenoid cartilage is moving, L is still)

Answer 7

Laryngeal Hemiplegia
Produced inspiratory sounds

Question 8

What is this pathology from the respiratory endoscopy of a horse

Answer 8

DDSP - dorsal displacement of soft palate
Can be induced due to sedation
Causes an expiratory noise

Question 9

Identify this pathology from the guttural pouch of a horse

Answer 9

guttural pouch empyema (pus) which may be a consequence of Streptococcus equi equi (aka “Strangles”) infection.
Perform a guttural pouch lavage to get the sample tested (bacterial culture and PCR)