The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns during exercise and associations with dynamic upper respiratory tract obstructions.

This research study examines the prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns in horses while at a canter or gallop, and investigates a possible link between such patterns and dynamic upper respiratory tract obstructions. The study suggests that horses exhibiting unusual breathing patterns, particularly a 2:1 pattern, during exercise could have respiratory tract diseases.

Objective

• The purpose of this research was to study and report the occurrence of abnormal breathing patterns in horses during exercise at canter/gallop and investigate if these unusual breathing patterns might be associated with dynamic upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructions.

Methods

• A retrospective analysis of clinical records was carried out.
• Simultaneous audio and URT videoendoscopy recordings from 365 horses that were referred for treadmill evaluation were examined and analysed.

Results

• The researchers found that 30% of the horses displayed an abnormal breathing pattern while cantering or galloping.
• Of these, 23% exhibited a 2:1 breathing pattern, signifying that one breath was taken over two strides.
• The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns was higher at low canter speeds than during strenuous exercise.
• The study also discovered a significant association between the breathing pattern during strenuous exercise and the presence of an URT obstruction.

Conclusion

• The research study suggests that abnormal breathing patterns during canter and gallop in horses may be associated with dynamic URT obstructions.
• If horses are identified by owners or veterinary surgeons to have an abnormal breathing pattern during exercise, especially a 2:1 breathing pattern, further investigation could be warranted for the diagnosis of respiratory tract diseases.