This disease is a result of infection in the arytenoid cartilages, which cover the opening of the trachea. Clinical signs seen with this disease include coughing, whistling, roaring, and feed material and water coming out of the horse’s nostrils. Unfortunately, clinical signs are frequently not noticeable until the later stages of the disease when severe airway obstruction becomes evident.
Diagnostics
Video endoscopy, Dynamic endoscopy, Ultrasound
Treatment options
Mild cases
Medical Management – Systemic anti-inflammatory medications and systemic antibiotics; local anti-inflammatory medication in the form of “throat spray.”
Moderate to severe cases
Arytenoidectomy- This procedure is performed under general anesthesia with a small incision made on midline just behind the horse’s mandible. The affected arytenoid cartilage is then removed with this procedure. Following surgery, the horse will receive systemic and local antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
