Radiographic quantification of tracheal dimensions of the normal Thoroughbred horse.
Abstract: Radiographic measurement of tracheal dimensions in the horse may be useful in evaluating upper and lower respiratory tract conditions due to the gradient of pressure changes between these areas. Lateral radiographs of the trachea of 15 normal sedated Thoroughbred horses were made at inspiration and expiration and magnification-corrected mean airway heights measured were, respectively: larynx: 5.89 and 5.86 cm; trachea at the third cervical vertebra (C3): 4.17 and 4.04cm; at the fifth cervical vertebra (C5): 3.62 and 3.59 cm; at the first thoracic vertebra (T1): 3.4 and 3.23cm; and carina: 3.85 and 4.12 cm. The ratio of airway height to nearby vertebral body lengths, at inspiration and expiration were, respectively: laryngeal height at C3: 0.56 and 0.56; tracheal height at C3: 0.4 and 0.39; at C5: 0.37 and 0.37; at T1: 0.59 and 0.59; and carina height: 0.91 and 0.94. The ratio of tracheal height to the thoracic inlet at inspiration and expiration was, respectively, 0.15 and 0.15. There was not a statistically significant association between airway diameter and phase of respiration. No association was found between tracheal height and body mass or height at the withers. Radiographic tracheal height can be measured independent of respiratory phase in sedated horses. It is suggested that the ratio of tracheal height to an adjacent bony landmark is more reliable for comparison between horses and tracheal height measurement should be made at C5, due to a lower standard deviation. If only thoracic radiographs are made, measurements of tracheal height at the thoracic inlet may be valuable.
Publication Date: 2009-10-01 PubMed ID: 19788033DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01570.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research involves radiographic measurements of tracheal dimensions in normal Thoroughbred horses, which could help in understanding respiratory conditions in horses. Key findings indicate that these measurements can be done independent of the horses’ respiratory phase, and for better comparisons between horses, it is best to use the ratio of tracheal height to an adjacent bone landmark.
Introduction
- The main objective of the research is to potentially use radiographic measurement of tracheal dimensions in horses to evaluate upper and lower respiratory tract conditions.
- The study specifically targets the Thoroughbred breed of horses. Thoroughbreds are a specific horse breed known for their speed and spirit, commonly used for racing.
Methodology
- 15 sedated Thoroughbred horses were used in this study.
- Lateral radiographs of the horse’s trachea were taken during inspiration and expiration phases of respiration.
- The measurements taken included airway heights at different regions, such as larynx, trachea at different cervical and thoracic vertebra (C3, C5, and T1), and carina.
- The ratio of airway height to nearby vertebral body lengths was also calculated, at various points.
Results
- Mean airway heights were measured at various points in the trachea with no statistically significant association found between airway diameter and respiration phase.
- Furthermore, no association was found between tracheal height and body mass or height at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades of a quadruped animal).
- It was found that radiographic tracheal height can be measured independent of the respiratory phase in sedated horses.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- The study suggests that the ratio of tracheal height to an adjacent bony landmark is more reliable for comparison between horses, rather than tracheal height alone.
- The researchers recommended to perform tracheal height measurement at the fifth cervical vertebra (C5) area due to its lower standard deviation, ensuring more reliable results.
- If only thoracic radiographs are being taken, measurements of tracheal height at the thoracic inlet may be valuable.
Cite This Article
APA
Carstens A, Kirberger RM, Grimbeek RJ, Donnellan CM, Saulez MN.
(2009).
Radiographic quantification of tracheal dimensions of the normal Thoroughbred horse.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 50(5), 492-501.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01570.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa. ann.carstens@up.ac.za
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bronchography / veterinary
- Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Larynx / diagnostic imaging
- Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
- Trachea / diagnostic imaging
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Tilley P, Simões J, Sales Luis JP. Effects of a 15° Variation in Poll Flexion during Riding on the Respiratory Systems and Behaviour of High-Level Dressage and Show-Jumping Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 22;13(10).
- Ennsmann LH, Licka TF. Association between radiographic equine distal phalanx characteristics and absence, presence and type of horseshoes. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1598038.
- Scott TJA, Jacob C, Tingay DG, Leontini JS. Gas transport mechanisms during high-frequency ventilation. Respir Res 2024 Dec 28;25(1):446.
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