Nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses: 47 cases (1972-1985).

This study investigates nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses, an abnormality observed in horses experiencing unusual respiratory noises or exercise intolerance. The researchers found a connection between this condition and the horse’s age, sex, and other upper airway irregularities.

Research Method and Participants

• The research was conducted on 47 horses that were observed to have abnormal respiratory noises and/or intolerance to exercise. All these horses were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cicatrices via endoscopy.

Key Findings

• The age of the horses affected by this condition ranged from 6 to 21 years, with an average age of 12.7 years. This suggests that nasopharyngeal cicatrices can affect horses of a relatively wide age range, but it seems to be more common in older horses.
• The study found that female horses were affected 2.7 times more often than male horses. This indicates a gender predisposition in the occurrence of this condition.
• Other abnormalities, like the inflammation of the arytenoid cartilage (chondritis), abnormal shape of the epiglottis (epiglottic deformity), and malformations of the guttural pouch openings, were frequently observed in conjunction with a nasopharyngeal cicatrix.
• In the majority of the cases, nasopharyngeal cicatrices were not the primary cause of restricted breathing. Only three horses out of the 47 were recorded with respiratory obstructions caused by the cicatrix.

Treatments and Causes

• None of the horses in the study were treated for nasopharyngeal cicatrices. This leaves a gap in the research regarding the most effective intervention strategies for this condition.
• The study hypothesizes that widespread nasopharyngeal and laryngeal inflammation could be the cause of nasopharyngeal cicatrices and the associated irregularities.

This research provides an in-depth look into the occurrence of nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses and its correlation with age, sex, and other airway abnormalities. However, it leaves room for further studies, specifically in the area of causation and treatment.