Page 636 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• checking the heart

• feeling for enlarged lymph nodes (glands) under the mandible
VetBooks.ir • observation of any nasal discharge: a small volume of watery nasal discharge is normal

•
a discussion of the symptoms such as coughing and altered exercise tolerance
• percussion may be done on occasions; this involves tapping the chest or sinuses to see if

any areas sound less air-filled than normal, e.g. owing to fluid in the chest or sinus cavity
• the respiratory tract may be examined with an endoscope.

Where appropriate, samples will be taken for examination in the laboratory, eg:
• blood

• swabs

• faeces

• tracheal wash
• bronchoalveolar lavage.

Endoscopic Examination

The flexible fibreoptic endoscope is used for visual examination of the upper respiratory

tract. These instruments provide the vet with a clear, bright image of the tissues from the
nostrils all the way to the point where the trachea divides into the two main bronchi. The

nasal passages, nasopharynx, soft palate, guttural pouches, larynx and the trachea can be
closely inspected. It is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of equine respiratory

disease.

PROCEDURE

The horse is restrained in a stable or stocks with a headcollar and sometimes a twitch (Figure

15.2). Mild sedation may be necessary, although this can affect the appearance and function
of structures such as the larynx. The long, flexible endoscope is introduced into the nostrils
and slowly advanced. A viewing screen or video camera can be attached allowing the images

to be more clearly seen and/or recorded.