Treadmill endoscopic findings in 15 racehorses presented for poor performance.

The research study investigated upper airway disorders in 15 racehorses that had lower performance levels. High-speed treadmill endoscopy was used to assist in diagnosing the dynamic upper airway disorders which may only be identified during vigorous exercise.

Objective of the Research

• The research mainly aimed to determine the potential upper airway disorders in racehorses which had registered poor performance levels. To achieve this, researchers undertook an examination while the horses were vigorously exercising as this is the only way to properly diagnose dynamic airway disorders.

Upper Airway Disorders in Equine Athletes

• The study noted that various upper airway disorders could affect a horse’s ability to sustain high speeds for a given time. This is sometimes reflected in poor performance levels, from a minor increase in racing times to a significant reduction in speed during a competition.
• Upper airway obstruction, which leads to poor performance, can be associated with several disorders like recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN), dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), epiglottic entrapment, dynamic pharyngeal collapse (DPC), and rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch (RDPA).

Limitations of Resting Endoscopy

• While resting endoscopy may be used to identify an upper airway disorder in certain cases, the presence of an abnormality at rest does not necessarily denote a clinical issue.
• Additionally, the absence of abnormalities at rest does not exclude the possibility of a dynamic upper airway disorder, as these may only be present during strenuous exercise. This highlights the importance of conducting tests while the horses are exercising.

The Necessity of High-Speed Treadmill Endoscopy

• The study argues that when a dynamic upper airway disorder is suspected, or when the clinical significance of an abnormality observed at rest needs to be evaluated, it may be necessary to resort to high-speed treadmill endoscopy for an accurate diagnosis.
• This technique allows researchers to capture disorders which may only manifest during high-intensity exercise.