Laryngoscopic evaluation of arytenoid movements in pure Arabian horses.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The equine larynx can be affected by a variety of diseases that may interfere with upper respiratory tract patency. Laryngeal hemiplegia is a well-known disease in large-sized equine breeds and its occurrence in Arabian horses has not been thoroughly investigated. AIM: To endoscopically assess arytenoid movements in pure Arabian horses. METHODS: A total number of 38 pure Arabian horses were examined. When the horse was unsedated, the laryngeal arytenoid movement was assessed using a laryngoscope, and a grading score was assigned accordingly. RESULTS: Evidence of laryngeal movement abnormalities was found in 24 horses (63.15%). The results of laryngoscopy grade were as follows:14 (36.84%) were found as grade 1, 18 were classified as grade 2 (47.36%), only 5 horses were assigned grade 3 (14.82%), one horse showed evidence of arytenoidectomy (2.63%), and none of the investigated horses had grade 4 (0%). CONCLUSION: Although laryngeal hemiplegia is highly prevalent in large-sized equine breeds, pure Arabians are also affected by this disorder despite their relatively small size in comparison to other breeds like Thoroughbreds.