Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tracheal obstructions in two horses and a donkey.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 1990
- Authors:
- Mair, T S & Lane, J G
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, two horses and a donkey were found to have breathing problems and coughing, which got worse when they exercised or got excited. The issues were caused by blockages in their windpipes, specifically where the trachea (the tube that carries air to the lungs) meets the chest. These blockages were due to abnormal shapes of the cartilage rings in the trachea, which seemed to have developed over a long time before the animals showed any symptoms. Doctors used special cameras and X-rays to help diagnose the problem. The outcome of the treatment was not mentioned, so we don't know if it was successful.
Abstract
The clinical signs associated with intramural tracheal obstructions in two horses and a donkey were respiratory distress and coughing, which were aggravated by exercise and excitement. The obstructions were at the level of the thoracic inlet and consisted either of flattening of the cartilage rings in the dorsoventral plane or of cartilage rings having a scroll-like conformation. They appeared to be developmental in origin and to have been present for a considerable time before the onset of clinical signs. Endoscopy and radiography were helpful in the diagnosis of the condition.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2343517/