Dynamic respiratory endoscopy in 67 Thoroughbred racehorses training under normal ridden exercise conditions.
Abstract: There are potential advantages to imaging the upper portion of the respiratory tract (URT) of horses during ridden exercise. With the advent of a wireless endoscope, this is now possible. However, there has been no detailed validation of the technique and findings have not been compared to ridden speed. Objective: To assess the combined use of a Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS) and global positioning system (GPS) receiver for examining the URT of a group of Thoroughbred racehorses randomly selected from a single flat racehorse training establishment. Methods: Horses were selected randomly from a population of Thoroughbred horses in training at the same training yard. Endoscopic images of the URT were recorded during a ridden exercise test on an 'all-weather-gallop' and were reviewed post testing. Speed was measured using a wrist mounted GPS receiver. Results: A total of 67 (34%) of the 195 horses in training were examined. Endoscopic findings included: normal URT function (44 cases); dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) (13 cases); laryngeal asymmetry (4 cases); and axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (3 cases). Maximum speed obtained by individual horses ranged from 41.8-56.3 km/h. Ridden speed was variably affected by DDSP. Conclusions: The DRS provides a safe effective system for imaging the equine URT during ridden exercise at speed. The abnormalities of the URT identified were similar to those observed during treadmill endoscopy studies reported in the literature. The effect of URT abnormalities on ridden speed requires further investigation. Conclusions: This technique can be used to diagnose common causes of URT associated with poor performance in horses during normal training. This has substantial implications for future clinical diagnosis and treatment of URT pathology.
Publication Date: 2009-07-01 PubMed ID: 19562896DOI: 10.2746/042516409x407107Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research paper focuses on the use of Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS) and global positioning system (GPS) for examining the upper respiratory tract of Thoroughbred racehorses during regular riding exercise sessions.
Research Methods
- The research was conducted on Thoroughbred horses randomly selected from the same training yard.
- A Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS) was used to record endoscopic images of the horse’s upper respiratory tract during a ridden exercise test.
- The speed of the horse during the exercise was tracked using a wrist-mounted GPS receiver.
- The endoscopic findings were reviewed and assessed after the exercise test.
Results
- Out of the total of 195 Thoroughbred horses in training, 67 were selected for this exercise which forms about 34% of the population.
- The endoscopic examination revealed 44 cases of normal upper respiratory tract function.
- The irregularities found were 13 cases of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), 4 cases of laryngeal asymmetry, and 3 cases of axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds.
- The maximum speed recorded for individual horses during the study was between 41.8-56.3 km/h.
- Finding revealed that the ridden speed of the horses was influenced to a variable extent by dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP).
Conclusions
- The Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS) proved to be a secure and efficient system for imaging the equine upper respiratory tract during regular riding exercise.
- The abnormalities in the upper respiratory tract detected by the DRS were similar to those recorded in previous treadmill endoscopy studies.
- It was concluded that this method could be used effectively to diagnose common causes of upper respiratory tract issues which result in poor performance in horses during standard training routines.
- The study affirms that more investigation is required into the effect of upper respiratory tract abnormalities on the exercise speed of the horses.
- The findings promise significant implications for the future clinical diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory tract pathologies in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Pollock PJ, Reardon RJ, Parkin TD, Johnston MS, Tate J, Love S.
(2009).
Dynamic respiratory endoscopy in 67 Thoroughbred racehorses training under normal ridden exercise conditions.
Equine Vet J, 41(4), 354-360.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x407107 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Companion Animal Sciences, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Endoscopes / veterinary
- Endoscopy / methods
- Endoscopy / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Respiratory System Abnormalities / diagnosis
- Respiratory System Abnormalities / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Norton AM, Rosanowski SM, O'Brien T. Comparative analysis of racing performance following surgical correction of epiglottic entrapment in standardbreds and thoroughbreds. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1479144.
- Stallones L, McManus P, McGreevy P. Sustainability and the Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Industries: An Enhanced One Welfare Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 31;13(3).
- Ahern BJ, Sole A, de Klerk K, Hogg LR, Vallance SA, Bertin FR, Franklin SH. Evaluation of postsale endoscopy as a predictor of future racing performance in an Australian thoroughbred yearling population. Aust Vet J 2022 Jun;100(6):254-260.
- Weller D, Franklin S, White P, Shea G, Fenner K, Wilson B, Wilkins C, McGreevy P. The Reported Use of Tongue-Ties and Nosebands in Thoroughbred and Standardbred Horse Racing-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 26;11(3).
- Miller SM. Endoscopic recurrent laryngeal neuropathy grade prevalence in a sample of thoroughbred yearlings at public auction in South Africa (2013-2019). J S Afr Vet Assoc 2020 Apr 20;91(0):e1-e5.
- Weller D, Franklin S, Shea G, White P, Fenner K, Wilson B, Wilkins C, McGreevy P. The Reported Use of Nosebands in Racing and Equestrian Pursuits. Animals (Basel) 2020 Apr 30;10(5).
- Go LM, Barton AK, Ohnesorge B. Pharyngeal diameter in various head and neck positions during exercise in sport horses. BMC Vet Res 2014 May 23;10:117.
- Grevemeyer B, Bogdanovic L, Canton S, St Jean G, Cercone M, Ducharme NG, Brown BN. Regenerative medicine approach to reconstruction of the equine upper airway. Tissue Eng Part A 2014 Apr;20(7-8):1213-21.
- Jean D, Picandet V, Céleste C, Macieira S, Cesarini C, Morisset S, Rossier Y, Marcoux M. Palatal sclerotherapy for the treatment of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in 51 standardbred racehorses. Can Vet J 2011 Nov;52(11):1203-8.
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