What is it?
It is a procedure that allows your vet to see all the way into your horses’ airway/sinuses or bladder or female reproductive tract with a camera and a light. We also have a screen that you can watch the procedure on, and we can video and take pictures as we look around.
Why do we do it?
To investigate further an upper or lower airway condition. We can visualise some of the sinuses, the guttural pouches, the larynx, and the top of the lower airway. We can also take samples from these areas as required.
Airway samples can include a tracheal wash or BAL. This is taking a wash from the trachea (top of the lower airway) and the lungs (bronchial-alveolar lavage). This is often done if inflammatory airway disease or bleeding is suspected. We can also sample the guttural pouch, the most common reason for this is checking for an active strangles infection.
The larynx may not be functioning as normal, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) means one side of the airway doesn’t open as well as normal and this may limit exercise tolerance. The soft palate can displace, and the epiglottis can move abnormally. These can all cause abnormal respiratory noise, especially at canter or gallop.
We can also investigate abnormal nasal discharge such as pus or blood. Infections in the many sinuses can cause a infected discharge from one or both nostrils. Nose bleeds can be from the lungs or damage to the sinus such as a polyp or ethmoid haematoma.
Investigating urinary tract issues, such as a build-up of minerals. This can cause infection or a sterile blockage that needs removing.
Investigating reproductive issues in the mare, we can visualise the inside of the tract and do a biopsy if needed.
How do we do it?
Generally, under sedation. The only exception is if we are investigating abnormal airway noise as sedation can affect the appearance of the larynx and confuse the diagnosis.
The affected area is examined, and appropriate samples taken and submitted to the laboratory as needed.
Treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis.
