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