Chronic chondritis of the arytenoid cartilages in a pony mare.

The research highlights the case of a pony mare suffering from chronic chondritis, inflammation of the cartilage, of the arytenoid cartilages leading to severe exercise intolerance and respiratory stridor which ultimately could not be cured through surgery.

Subject of the Study

• The subject of the study was a pony mare that was suffering from chronic chondritis of the arytenoid cartilages. This condition resulted in noticeable exercise intolerance and respiratory stridor, which is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow.

Initial Examination

• The pony’s upper respiratory tract was initially examined using a flexible fibreoptoscope. The fibreoptoscope, a flexible instrument equipped with a camera, allowed the researchers to visually inspect the interior of the respiratory tract.
• Upon examination, it was observed that both the arytenoids, two pyramid-shaped cartilages located in the larynx, were adducted, meaning they had moved towards the midline of the body, and were distorted.

Diagnosis and Action Taken

• The initial diagnosis pointed to bilateral chondritis of the arytenoids. Bilateral chondritis means that the inflammation of the cartilage was present on both sides.
• In an attempt to treat the condition, surgery was performed to enlarge the rima glottidis, the opening between the vocal cords. However, this attempt proved unsuccessful.

Postmortem Examination and Discussion

• After the unsuccessful surgery, the pony mare unfortunately passed away. An autopsy confirmed the initial diagnosis of bilateral chondritis of the arytenoids.
• The researchers subsequently discussed other possible space-occupying lesions, or abnormal tissue growths, which could occur in the rima glottidis. They also postulated various theories on the potential causes, or aetiology, of such conditions.