OklahomaHorses Magazine September 2021

September/October 2021 • OklahomaHorses 25 problem. Resting endoscopy often is performed by inserting a special flexible tube containing a camera (called an endoscope) through one or both nostrils to visually examine the anatomy and the resting function of the URT. This is usually performed in an awake, unsedated horse, although restraint with a nose twitch might be necessary. Some disorders are readily diagnosed with resting endoscopy, but many disorders occur only (or more dramatically) during exercise. Dynamic or exercise endoscopy is considered the “gold standard” way to diagnose functional URT disorders in hors- es. It uses a special endoscope and video capture system with a wireless communication device incorporated into the saddle pad, strapped to a surcingle, or in a backpack worn by a rider. The endoscope is flexible, but it maintains its shape once passed and secured into the nasal passage of the horse. The URT can then be observed as the horse exercises. Speed, gait, duration of exercise, directional changes, head position, and rider intervention can have a significant effect on the identification of certain functional abnormalities of the URT. Many horses with a “normal” resting endoscopy will have an ab- normality that can be identified with a dynamic endoscopy, and some horses will even have multiple abnormalities. The two most common disorders seen in performance horses are laryngeal hemiplegia and dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Laryngeal hemiplegia is commonly referred to as “roar- ing” because of its characteristic inspiratory noise. The disorder affects one or both of the arytenoids (the cartilages that cover the opening to the trachea during swallowing), also sometimes referred to as the “flappers.” Laryngeal hemiplegia results from dysfunction of the muscle that holds the arytenoid out of the airway during inspiration. This narrows the airway and decreases airflow (oxygen supply) to the lungs. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate occurs when the divi- sion between the nasal and oral portions of the pharynx becomes dislodged from its normal position. This inhibits the horse’s abil- ity to exhale, usually resulting in an expiratory noise sometimes described as “snoring.” Successful treatment for either of those disorders often requires surgery. Laryngeal hemiplegia typically is treated by performing a prosthetic laryngoplasty, more commonly known as a “tie- back,” and dorsal displacement of the soft palate commonly is treated with surgical advancement of the larynx, known as a “tie-forward.” With either diagnosis and subsequent treatment, the chance of an affected horse returning to its previous level of performance is good. The Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine Service at the OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital offers full diagnostic capabilities, in- cluding dynamic endoscopy, to thoroughly evaluate your horse’s URT. If your horse suffers from poor performance or makes an unusual respiratory noise, OSU’s experts in equine surgery and sports medicine will evaluate your horse, diagnose the problem, and guide you through a treatment plan to get your horse back to performing at its best. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelsey Jurek, DVM, is a second-year equine surgery resident at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her mentor is Mike Schoonover, DVM, an associate professor who is board certified in equine surgery and equine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Join Our Ole’ Timers Club! Join us on Wednesdays 10 am-1 pm for our Seniors’ Program. You don’t have to be a senior to join in! Refreshments provided or you’re welcome to bring something to share. Come groom on donkeys, miniatures or even some horses. No experience needed; we will teach you. For those who just want to socialize, you can also help with basic chores or organizing supplies. There’s something for everyone! Long-sleeved t-shirts are available for purchase ($15), and you can also donate to help a senior get theirs if you like. Email plainswindrdr@gmail.com fo r details. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ HFOleTimersClub Donations are needed to provide the Standard of Care that we do. COVID-19 has affected prices of hay, grain, supplements and more. Please donate to help the horses and also support our Seniors’ Program. horsefeathersequinecenter.org 405-260-7281 6320 N. Highway 74C Guthrie, OK 73044 Fall into volunteering! Help us prep for winter by insulating & preparing things at the barn, checking blankets and getting them ready. These are things seniors can do!