Endoscopic Evidences of Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders in Horses and Donkeys

Abstract

Background: Upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructive disorders are a common problem among horses and are often associated with poor performance and respiratory noise during exercise. Aim: The study is proposed to visualize the upper respiratory tract of horses and donkeys by endoscopic examination, aiming to highlight and clarify the disease conditions that causing respiratory distress and subsequenly affect negatively on the work and sports ability of these animals. Materials and Methods: The present study employed the endoscopic examinations on the upper respiratory tract of 45 stallions, 30 mares, 10 foals and 38 donkeys, suffered from upper respiratory tract distresses. These animals were of various ages and weights. Results: Investigation of these animals proved that the upper respiratory tract disorders were numerous in horses and prevailing in donkeys. The pharyngeal region was more affected than the other parts of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, squamous cell carcinoma, cyst and granuloma in the guttural pouches have been taken care of, regardless of its rare occurrence. The ethmoidal glandular cyst acini, pharyngeal mycosis, and pharyngeal tonsillitis were considered critical evidences for the study. Conclusion: Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract of horses and donkeys should be a standard diagnostic technique for all upper respiratory disorders in equine.

Diagnosis of upper respiratory tract disorders in horses using a cheap, smartphone‐connected, flexible and steerable borescope

“…Respiratory tract disorders in horses are common and are important causes of poor performance (Morris and Seeherman, 1991; Martin et al., 2000; Van Erck, 2011). Endoscopic evaluation of the equine upper respiratory tract (URT) is the most commonly used diagnostic technique as the nasal passage, pharynx, larynx, guttural pouches, sinus ostia, ethmoidal labyrinth, pharyngeal recess and trachea can be visualised (Davidson and Martin, 2003; Sheta and Ashour, 2017). However, this specialised equipment is expensive and therefore not always available.…”

Ascorbic acid influenced respiratory and drinking responses in pack donkeys during harmattan

“…Donkeys are used mainly for transportation of water, and for packing of farm produce and and firewood (Nininahazwe, 2017); especially in the Savannah and arid zones, there are other likely hazards such as dust and debris in the environment (Regan et al, 2014). Donkeys used for transportation in such environments may develop respiratory problem disorders (Sheta and Ashour, 2017). Preventive measures to improve work performance are paramount.…”