Prevalence of upper respiratory tract disorders detected with a flexible videoendoscope in thoroughbred racehorses.

The research article investigates the prevalence of upper respiratory tract disorders in thoroughbred racehorses showing clinical symptoms such as coughs or abnormal breathing. The study employed a flexible videoendoscope and found all tested horses had some form of upper respiratory tract disorder, with the prevalence of certain disorders decreasing with age.

Objective and Methodology

• The research article aimed to identify the prevalence of upper respiratory tract disorders in thoroughbred racehorses exhibiting clinical signs of respiratory, such as coughing or abnormal breathing.
• To do so, the researchers conducted endoscopic examinations of the upper respiratory tract in 350 thoroughbred racehorses at rest. A flexible videoendoscope was used for these examinations.

Research Findings

• Abnormal endoscopic findings were obtained in all horses examined. This indicated that all thoroughbred racehorses that were clinically abnormal in their respiratory system necessarily had upper respiratory tract disorders.
• Out these horses, 11 different types of respiratory disorders were identified. However, a combination of three specific disorders was found to be the most common, especially among the 3-, 4- and 5-year-old horses. In these age groups, the combination disorder was found in 27.8%, 29.2% and 29.7% of horses, respectively.

Variation with Age

• In horses that were 6 years old or older, it was found that those having only one type of disorder made up the largest proportion at 47.6%. This indicates a shift in the pattern of disorders as the horses age.
• The prevalence of two specific disorders, namely pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia and abnormalities of the epiglottis, was found to decrease with age. This demonstrates a correlation between horse age and the prevalence of these specific respiratory disorders.

Implications

• Based on the study’s findings, endoscopic examination can be used as a reliable tool in detecting upper respiratory tract disorders in racehorses, further aiding in accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.
• The commonality of respiratory disorders in racehorses points to a potentially significant health issue and may warrant further investigation and preventative actions across the equine industry.