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Questions and Answers
A horse with severe respiratory distress is exhibiting anxious behavior, an extended head and neck, and bulging eyes. What is the MOST concerning additional clinical sign that would indicate the horse's condition is critical?
A horse with severe respiratory distress is exhibiting anxious behavior, an extended head and neck, and bulging eyes. What is the MOST concerning additional clinical sign that would indicate the horse's condition is critical?
- Anorexia
- Tachypnea
- Cyanosis (correct)
- Dyspnea
During a respiratory examination of a horse, you observe abdominal pressing. Which part of the respiratory tract is MOST likely affected?
During a respiratory examination of a horse, you observe abdominal pressing. Which part of the respiratory tract is MOST likely affected?
- Lower airway (correct)
- Pharynx
- Upper airway
- Trachea
You are evaluating a horse with suspected upper respiratory tract disease. Given that approximately 80% of airway resistance originates in the upper respiratory tract (URT), what clinical sign would be MOST indicative of increased work of breathing due to a small change in the URT caliber?
You are evaluating a horse with suspected upper respiratory tract disease. Given that approximately 80% of airway resistance originates in the upper respiratory tract (URT), what clinical sign would be MOST indicative of increased work of breathing due to a small change in the URT caliber?
- Mild exercise intolerance
- Dramatic increase in respiratory effort (correct)
- Subtle increase in respiratory rate
- Occasional cough
A horse exhibits stertor during an upper respiratory tract examination. Where is the MOST likely origin of the respiratory noise?
A horse exhibits stertor during an upper respiratory tract examination. Where is the MOST likely origin of the respiratory noise?
Upon physical examination of a horse, you note the presence of diffuse lymphadenopathy. What does this finding suggest about the horse's condition?
Upon physical examination of a horse, you note the presence of diffuse lymphadenopathy. What does this finding suggest about the horse's condition?
You observe serosanguinous nasal discharge in a horse. What does this finding suggest?
You observe serosanguinous nasal discharge in a horse. What does this finding suggest?
While evaluating a horse for sinus issues, you note a facial deformity and unilateral nasal discharge. What diagnostic technique would be MOST useful for further assessment?
While evaluating a horse for sinus issues, you note a facial deformity and unilateral nasal discharge. What diagnostic technique would be MOST useful for further assessment?
When performing auscultation of the lower airway in a horse, which landmark helps define the caudodorsal aspect of the lung field?
When performing auscultation of the lower airway in a horse, which landmark helps define the caudodorsal aspect of the lung field?
You are preparing to perform a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on a horse with suspected lower airway disease. Besides sterile saline, what medication is MOST critical to include in the initial syringe for the procedure?
You are preparing to perform a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on a horse with suspected lower airway disease. Besides sterile saline, what medication is MOST critical to include in the initial syringe for the procedure?
A horse is diagnosed with mild-moderate equine asthma. A BAL is performed, and the cytology results are back. Which finding is MOST consistent with this diagnosis?
A horse is diagnosed with mild-moderate equine asthma. A BAL is performed, and the cytology results are back. Which finding is MOST consistent with this diagnosis?
Thoracic radiographs are MOST useful in the diagnosis of equine respiratory disease for what purpose?
Thoracic radiographs are MOST useful in the diagnosis of equine respiratory disease for what purpose?
A horse is diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA) and is undergoing treatment. What is the MOST important long-term management strategy to prevent recurrence and lung damage?
A horse is diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA) and is undergoing treatment. What is the MOST important long-term management strategy to prevent recurrence and lung damage?
A horse with a chronic cough is diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA). How can you BEST describe the nature of the condition in this horse?
A horse with a chronic cough is diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA). How can you BEST describe the nature of the condition in this horse?
During an equine respiratory examination, what observation would MOST strongly suggest you avoid using a rebreathing bag?
During an equine respiratory examination, what observation would MOST strongly suggest you avoid using a rebreathing bag?
According to Puiseuille's Law, if the airway caliber of a horse is reduced by 50% due to inflammation, what is the predicted change in airway resistance (R)?
According to Puiseuille's Law, if the airway caliber of a horse is reduced by 50% due to inflammation, what is the predicted change in airway resistance (R)?
Regarding the examination of the larynx and trachea of a horse with respiratory problems what is the potential significance of identifying a prominent muscular process upon palpation?
Regarding the examination of the larynx and trachea of a horse with respiratory problems what is the potential significance of identifying a prominent muscular process upon palpation?
Upon endoscopic examination of a horse's upper airway, what finding concerning the epithelium or mucosa would be considered abnormal?
Upon endoscopic examination of a horse's upper airway, what finding concerning the epithelium or mucosa would be considered abnormal?
During a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedure in a horse, after the scope is wedged in the terminal end and the cuff inflated, what volume of warmed, sterile fluid is typically administered, and what is the expected recovery yield?
During a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedure in a horse, after the scope is wedged in the terminal end and the cuff inflated, what volume of warmed, sterile fluid is typically administered, and what is the expected recovery yield?
What pharmacological principle is MOST important in the management of summer pasture-associated severe equine asthma compared to hay-associated severe equine asthma?
What pharmacological principle is MOST important in the management of summer pasture-associated severe equine asthma compared to hay-associated severe equine asthma?
A horse is being evaluated for a primary cough without any obvious signs of infection. Based on the provided algorithm, what is the MOST appropriate initial treatment strategy?
A horse is being evaluated for a primary cough without any obvious signs of infection. Based on the provided algorithm, what is the MOST appropriate initial treatment strategy?
Following the diagnosis of severe equine asthma, an owner is concerned about the long-term effects on their horse. What is the MOST significant long-term risk associated with severe equine asthma that could impact the horse's athletic performance and overall health?
Following the diagnosis of severe equine asthma, an owner is concerned about the long-term effects on their horse. What is the MOST significant long-term risk associated with severe equine asthma that could impact the horse's athletic performance and overall health?
What dietary recommendation is MOST critical for managing a horse with severe equine asthma to minimize exposure to airborne irritants?
What dietary recommendation is MOST critical for managing a horse with severe equine asthma to minimize exposure to airborne irritants?
A horse has been diagnosed with severe equine asthma. What is the MOST appropriate housing recommendation to minimize the risk of exacerbating the condition?
A horse has been diagnosed with severe equine asthma. What is the MOST appropriate housing recommendation to minimize the risk of exacerbating the condition?
Which diagnostic finding would STRONGLY suggest a horse has severe equine asthma rather than mild-moderate equine asthma?
Which diagnostic finding would STRONGLY suggest a horse has severe equine asthma rather than mild-moderate equine asthma?
Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate environmental management for horses that have pulmonary inflammation?
Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate environmental management for horses that have pulmonary inflammation?
Which statement accurately reflects the use of systemic versus aerosolized corticosteroids in equine asthma management?
Which statement accurately reflects the use of systemic versus aerosolized corticosteroids in equine asthma management?
Why is the timing of actuation of the Aservo Equihaler in relation to the breath of the horse important?
Why is the timing of actuation of the Aservo Equihaler in relation to the breath of the horse important?
What is the MOST significant reason to avoid feeding hay off the ground to horses with severe equine asthma?
What is the MOST significant reason to avoid feeding hay off the ground to horses with severe equine asthma?
You are advising a client on preventative measures for equine asthma, particularly for horses with a genetic predisposition. What is the MOST crucial recommendation to minimize the likelihood of developing severe disease?
You are advising a client on preventative measures for equine asthma, particularly for horses with a genetic predisposition. What is the MOST crucial recommendation to minimize the likelihood of developing severe disease?
What is the MOST important consideration to communicate to the owner of a newly diagnosed horse with severe equine asthma?
What is the MOST important consideration to communicate to the owner of a newly diagnosed horse with severe equine asthma?
Which additional diagnostic is MOST likely to be indicated if the clinical response isn't appropriate for a horse with Severe Equine Asthma?
Which additional diagnostic is MOST likely to be indicated if the clinical response isn't appropriate for a horse with Severe Equine Asthma?
What is the potential downside of using round bale hay to feed horses?
What is the potential downside of using round bale hay to feed horses?
What is a typical respiratory rate for a horse?
What is a typical respiratory rate for a horse?
While observing a horse, you note that it is extending its head and neck. What does this indicate?
While observing a horse, you note that it is extending its head and neck. What does this indicate?
Increased work of breathing in horses can be identified as what?
Increased work of breathing in horses can be identified as what?
What is epistaxis?
What is epistaxis?
In horses, where does 80% of respiratory resistance originate?
In horses, where does 80% of respiratory resistance originate?
What inspiratory noise is associated with the pharynx?
What inspiratory noise is associated with the pharynx?
A horse is diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA) after failing to respond adequately to initial bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory treatments. Assuming the initial diagnosis was based on clinical signs and a BAL, what is the MOST appropriate next step to refine the diagnosis and assess the long-term prognosis?
A horse is diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA) after failing to respond adequately to initial bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory treatments. Assuming the initial diagnosis was based on clinical signs and a BAL, what is the MOST appropriate next step to refine the diagnosis and assess the long-term prognosis?
A horse with a history of exercise intolerance is being evaluated for potential respiratory disease. During the initial observation, the horse exhibits a normal respiratory rate and effort at rest. What diagnostic step would be MOST beneficial to assess the horse's respiratory function more comprehensively?
A horse with a history of exercise intolerance is being evaluated for potential respiratory disease. During the initial observation, the horse exhibits a normal respiratory rate and effort at rest. What diagnostic step would be MOST beneficial to assess the horse's respiratory function more comprehensively?
A horse presents with a history of recurrent epistaxis. What diagnostic imaging modality would BEST allow for detailed visualization of the nasal passages and sinuses to identify potential sources of bleeding?
A horse presents with a history of recurrent epistaxis. What diagnostic imaging modality would BEST allow for detailed visualization of the nasal passages and sinuses to identify potential sources of bleeding?
During a physical examination, you observe that a horse has an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) but normal depth of respiration. Which underlying condition is the MOST likely cause of this clinical sign?
During a physical examination, you observe that a horse has an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) but normal depth of respiration. Which underlying condition is the MOST likely cause of this clinical sign?
When evaluating a horse with suspected severe equine asthma (S-EA), what would be the MOST important historical information to gather from the owner to differentiate between summer pasture-associated S-EA and hay-associated S-EA?
When evaluating a horse with suspected severe equine asthma (S-EA), what would be the MOST important historical information to gather from the owner to differentiate between summer pasture-associated S-EA and hay-associated S-EA?
A horse with severe equine asthma (S-EA) is undergoing a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Cytology results reveal a markedly elevated neutrophil percentage (80%) and the absence of mast cells and eosinophils. How should you interpret these findings in the context of S-EA?
A horse with severe equine asthma (S-EA) is undergoing a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Cytology results reveal a markedly elevated neutrophil percentage (80%) and the absence of mast cells and eosinophils. How should you interpret these findings in the context of S-EA?
A horse exhibiting signs of respiratory distress is being evaluated. You note that the horse only appears to have difficulty breathing during inspiration. Where is the MOST likely location of the horse's respiratory compromise?
A horse exhibiting signs of respiratory distress is being evaluated. You note that the horse only appears to have difficulty breathing during inspiration. Where is the MOST likely location of the horse's respiratory compromise?
A horse with chronic respiratory issues is being fed hay. What specific hay-management practice would be MOST effective in reducing the risk of exacerbating the horse's condition?
A horse with chronic respiratory issues is being fed hay. What specific hay-management practice would be MOST effective in reducing the risk of exacerbating the horse's condition?
In managing a horse with severe equine asthma (S-EA), why is early intervention considered crucial in preventing long-term respiratory dysfunction?
In managing a horse with severe equine asthma (S-EA), why is early intervention considered crucial in preventing long-term respiratory dysfunction?
You are called to examine a horse that has been acutely coughing after being moved to a new stable. Upon auscultation, you note enhanced bronchovesicular sounds. What is the MOST likely cause of these abnormal sounds?
You are called to examine a horse that has been acutely coughing after being moved to a new stable. Upon auscultation, you note enhanced bronchovesicular sounds. What is the MOST likely cause of these abnormal sounds?
What is the primary reason horses are considered obligate nasal breathers?
What is the primary reason horses are considered obligate nasal breathers?
During a respiratory examination of a horse, you observe a distinct 'tracheal rattle.' What anatomical structure or pathological process is MOST likely responsible for this sound?
During a respiratory examination of a horse, you observe a distinct 'tracheal rattle.' What anatomical structure or pathological process is MOST likely responsible for this sound?
A horse with chronic respiratory signs is suspected of having lower airway obstruction. Which of the following findings during thoracic auscultation would STRONGLY support this suspicion?
A horse with chronic respiratory signs is suspected of having lower airway obstruction. Which of the following findings during thoracic auscultation would STRONGLY support this suspicion?
Dynamic endoscopy is performed on a performance horse experiencing exercise intolerance. What is the PRIMARY reason for evaluating the upper airway during exercise rather than at rest?
Dynamic endoscopy is performed on a performance horse experiencing exercise intolerance. What is the PRIMARY reason for evaluating the upper airway during exercise rather than at rest?
A horse undergoing a respiratory examination is found to have a normal respiratory rate while at rest. Which of the following statements BEST describes the diagnostic implications of this finding?
A horse undergoing a respiratory examination is found to have a normal respiratory rate while at rest. Which of the following statements BEST describes the diagnostic implications of this finding?
What is the pathological mechanism by which positive intrathoracic pressure contributes to airway collapse in horses with lower respiratory tract obstructive disease?
What is the pathological mechanism by which positive intrathoracic pressure contributes to airway collapse in horses with lower respiratory tract obstructive disease?
Following a complete respiratory examination, a horse is suspected to have a pharyngeal lesion. Which clinical sign would MOST strongly support this suspicion?
Following a complete respiratory examination, a horse is suspected to have a pharyngeal lesion. Which clinical sign would MOST strongly support this suspicion?
Evaluate the scenarios, and select the scenario where performing a rebreathing bag examination would be MOST contraindicated.
Evaluate the scenarios, and select the scenario where performing a rebreathing bag examination would be MOST contraindicated.
You are asked to advise on environmental management for a horse diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA). Which recommendation would be MOST effective in reducing the horse’s exposure to airborne irritants?
You are asked to advise on environmental management for a horse diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA). Which recommendation would be MOST effective in reducing the horse’s exposure to airborne irritants?
A horse is suspected of having a sinus issue. What diagnostic finding would MOST strongly suggest the need for advanced imaging of the sinuses?
A horse is suspected of having a sinus issue. What diagnostic finding would MOST strongly suggest the need for advanced imaging of the sinuses?
A horse is undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as part of a diagnostic workup for chronic cough. What does the instilled lidocaine accomplish during the BAL procedure?
A horse is undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as part of a diagnostic workup for chronic cough. What does the instilled lidocaine accomplish during the BAL procedure?
A horse that has been diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA) is being discharged. Regarding long-term management, what recommendation is of UTMOST importance?
A horse that has been diagnosed with severe equine asthma (S-EA) is being discharged. Regarding long-term management, what recommendation is of UTMOST importance?
You observe that a horse has an extended head and neck, bulging eyes, and is anxious at rest. Given these signs, which of the following additional observations would indicate the horse's condition is MOST critical?
You observe that a horse has an extended head and neck, bulging eyes, and is anxious at rest. Given these signs, which of the following additional observations would indicate the horse's condition is MOST critical?
During auscultation of the thorax in a horse, an area of diminished lung sounds is identified in the caudodorsal lung field. Which anatomical landmark would MOST accurately define the boundary of the lung field in that region?
During auscultation of the thorax in a horse, an area of diminished lung sounds is identified in the caudodorsal lung field. Which anatomical landmark would MOST accurately define the boundary of the lung field in that region?
A horse is suspected of having an upper respiratory tract noise. The noise is high-pitched and inspiratory. What term BEST describes this respiratory noise?
A horse is suspected of having an upper respiratory tract noise. The noise is high-pitched and inspiratory. What term BEST describes this respiratory noise?
When performing an endoscopic examination on a horse, you observe that the tracheal mucosa appears erythematous and inflamed. According to tracheal mucus scoring, what additional finding would be MOST indicative of severe inflammation?
When performing an endoscopic examination on a horse, you observe that the tracheal mucosa appears erythematous and inflamed. According to tracheal mucus scoring, what additional finding would be MOST indicative of severe inflammation?
A horse is diagnosed with mild-moderate equine asthma following a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). How is the cough described for this disease process?
A horse is diagnosed with mild-moderate equine asthma following a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). How is the cough described for this disease process?
A horse with respiratory distress is confirmed to have severe equine asthma. Which of the following diagnostic results confirms S-EA?
A horse with respiratory distress is confirmed to have severe equine asthma. Which of the following diagnostic results confirms S-EA?
There are some clinical signs to be aware of for a patient with equine disease. Which list includes clinical signs of respiratory distress at rest?
There are some clinical signs to be aware of for a patient with equine disease. Which list includes clinical signs of respiratory distress at rest?
Respiratory distress can be mild/moderate to critical in horses. Starting with mild/moderate, how would you expect the impaired oxygen exchange to progress?
Respiratory distress can be mild/moderate to critical in horses. Starting with mild/moderate, how would you expect the impaired oxygen exchange to progress?
You are using a rebreathing bag for a respiratory examination. What abnormal sound may be present?
You are using a rebreathing bag for a respiratory examination. What abnormal sound may be present?
If a horse is experiencing expiratory difficulty, what is the MOST likely location of the respiratory issue?
If a horse is experiencing expiratory difficulty, what is the MOST likely location of the respiratory issue?
When evaluating asymmetrical airflow, what diagnostic indicator would be MOST concerning?
When evaluating asymmetrical airflow, what diagnostic indicator would be MOST concerning?
Where does 80% of resistance originate in a horse?
Where does 80% of resistance originate in a horse?
Flashcards
Equine respiratory examination
Equine respiratory examination
A complete systematic evaluation of the horse's breathing system.
Obligate nasal breathers
Obligate nasal breathers
Horses primarily breathe through their nose.
Approach to examination
Approach to examination
Physical examination performed at rest and during exercise.
Normal respiratory rate (BPM)
Normal respiratory rate (BPM)
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Observation at rest
Observation at rest
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Dyspnea
Dyspnea
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Tachypnea
Tachypnea
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Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation
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Hypoventilation
Hypoventilation
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Apnea
Apnea
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Airway resistance (URT)
Airway resistance (URT)
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Stridor, Roar, Stertor
Stridor, Roar, Stertor
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Upper airway examination findings
Upper airway examination findings
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Epistaxis
Epistaxis
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Hemoptysis
Hemoptysis
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Percussion
Percussion
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Endoscopy
Endoscopy
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Arytenoid chondritis
Arytenoid chondritis
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Dynamic endoscopy
Dynamic endoscopy
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Radiography of sinuses
Radiography of sinuses
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Lower airway resistance
Lower airway resistance
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Intrathoracic pressure
Intrathoracic pressure
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Lower airway auscultation
Lower airway auscultation
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Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
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Summer Pasture-Associated Asthma
Summer Pasture-Associated Asthma
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Equine respiratory examination
Equine respiratory examination
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Severe Equine Asthma Diagnosis
Severe Equine Asthma Diagnosis
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Environmental Management
Environmental Management
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Anti-inflammatory Therapy
Anti-inflammatory Therapy
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Severe Equine Asthma
Severe Equine Asthma
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Study Notes
Equine Respiratory Examination and Equine Asthma
- Aims to help students understand the equine respiratory system in its entirety.
- Also to interpret common physical examination findings.
- Including the origin of nasal discharge.
- Also to help with identifying source of airway impairment.
- Also identification of intra versus extrapulmonary disease.
- Students will understand the pathophysiology of upper airway obstruction.
- Students will understand the pathophysiology of lower airway obstruction
- Students will understand the pathophysiology of lower airway restrictive disease
Obligate Nasal Breathers
- Horses cannot breathe through their mouths.
- Observation of the horse during and after exercise can help evaluate mild/moderate respiratory insufficiency.
- Severe disease can be fully evaluated at rest.
- It is contraindicated to further stress patient with exercise.
- Impaired oxygen exchange ranges from exercise intolerance to respiratory difficulty at rest, to cyanosis.
- Respiratory distress at rest shows as anxiety, extended head/neck, bulging eyes, and anorexia.
- All physiologic energy is dedicated toward oxygen transfer and delivery in these instances and appetite is diminished.
Examination Approach
- Physical examinations should be done at rest and with exercise.
Respiratory Tract Examination
- Normal respiratory rate in horses is 8-12 BPM.
- Biphasic respiration is normal for horses.
- Abnormalities can indicate a lesion or disease.
- Extended head and neck can indicate upper airway obstruction.
- Abdominal press with expiratory difficulty shows lower airway obstruction.
Respiratory Examination
- Observe at rest to determine the rate and effort of breathing.
- Look for distress, nasal discharge, and air movement.
- Location and nature of obstruction determine if impedance to airflow occurs during inspiration, expiration, or both.
- The phase affected will be prolonged and there will be associated noise.
- Rebreathing bags can be considered.
- Rebreathing bags are contraindicated if in respiratory distress.
- Abnormal sounds may include attenuation of pulmonary sounds, radiating cardiac sounds, enhanced bronchovesicular sounds, tracheal rattle, wheezes, crackles, and borborygmi
- Borborygmi is a common finding based on the gastrointestinal tract
Abnormal Respiration Types
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Hyperventilation
- Hypoventilation
- Apnea
Dyspnea Origins
- Related to the phase of respiration
- Upper respiratory tract dyspnea is inspiratory.
- Lower respiratory tract dyspnea can be obstructive (expiratory) or restrictive (inspiratory).
Airway Resistance
- 80% of resistance originates in the upper respiratory tract (URT).
- A 50% decrease in airway caliber leads to a 16-fold increase in resistance.
- Small changes in upper airway caliber result in dramatic increases in work of breathing,
Upper Respiratory Tract Noise
- Inspiratory noises include:
- Stridor (pharyngeal)
- Roar (during exercise)
- Stertor (nasal)
Larynx and Trachea Examination
- Look for a prominent muscular process, or LLH.
- Elicit cough to examine the respiratory system
- Auscultate to appreciate tracheal rattle sounds in the horse
Lymphadenopathy
- Lymphadenopathy can be diffuse or discrete.
Upper Airway Examination
- Observe for asymmetric airflow.
- Check for nostril flare.
- Note any discharge.
- Sniff for any unusual odors.
Types of Discharge
- Serous
- Mucopurulent
- Serosanguinous
- Determine if discharge is unilateral or bilateral.
Hemoptysis and Epistaxis
- Epistaxis is a nose bleed
- Hemoptysis is bloody sputum after clearing throat
Sinus Evaluation
- Percussion
- Facial deformity
- Unilateral nasal discharge
Lower Respiratory Tract obstruction
- About 20% of airway resistance is attributed to small airways.
- Advanced disease must be present before clinical signs are present.
- Positive intrathoracic pressure produces airway collapse.
- Maximal resistance occurs during expiration.
Lower Airway Examination
- Auscultation landmarks:
- 17th ICS / tuber coxae
- 16th ICS / tuber ischii
- 13th ICS / mid-thorax
- 11th ICS / shoulder
- 5th ICS / elbow
- Expanded pulmonary fields
- Diminished lung boarders
Equine Respiratory Examination Summary
- Equine respiratory disease is not uncommon.
- Examination should include observation and examination to differentiate upper from lower airway disease.
- Upper airway assessment may include identification of airflow changes, percussion, endoscopy, radiography, or advanced imaging (CT and/or MRI).
- Distinction of obstructive vs. restrictive disease can be established based on respiratory pattern and audible noise.
- Differentials will be established based on the region of the respiratory tract involvement and characteristics of disease.
Equine Asthma causes
- An infectious or inflammatory cause
- If the cause is inflammatory it can be mild/moderate or severe equine asthma syndrome
Summer Pasture-Associated Severe Equine Asthma
- Summer Pasture-Associated Severe Equine Asthma is similar to hay-associated asthma.
- It occurs in horses on pasture, often in the southeastern US in late summer-fall months.
- Clinical signs are similar to hay-associated disease.
- Management involves removing inciting cause from the horses pasture.
- Treatment is based on the same pharmacological principles.
Patient Assessment factors
- Signalment
- History
- Physical examination
- General examination
- Vital parameters
- Tracheal palpation for a cough
- Thoracic auscultation of the trachea and pulmonary system.
- Rebreathing examination
Respiratory Signs and Cough
- Signs are apparent when conditions are:
- Static
- Intermittent
- Dietary impact
- Environmental -Ventilation
- Signs are apparent when:
- Induced with exercise
- Persistent
- Exercise intolerance
Endoscopic Examination
- Identify if any abnormalities are present.
- Check Epithelium/mucosa for light pink without hyperemia vs erythematous, inflamed, or possibly edematous(carina).
- Evaluate Airway: tracheal mucous scoring.
- Normal is no mucus.
- Slight case is 1.
- Moderate case is 2.
- Profuse case is 3.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) Procedure
- Use 300-500 mL sterile, warmed 0.9% NaCl.
- Initial syringe includes 30 mL 2% lidocaine
- The Sedation meds are:
- Xylazine 0.3 mg/kg IV or detomidine 0.01 mg/kg
- Butorphanol 0.01 mg/kg
BAL Procedure
- Once the hose is sedated, preform routine restraint with twitch.
- Pass a BAL tube or 3M scope to the 3-4th generation bronchi.
- The syringe containing 2% lidocaine is gently administered for local analgesia of the mucosa.
- When at terminal end, wedge and instill fluid.
- Aim to administer 300 mL of warmed sterile fluid and aspirate 60% yield.
Pulmonary Cytology for mild/moderate equine asthma
- Normal Alveolar Macrophages = 50-70% and patient case = 52%
- Normal Lymphocytes =30-50% and patient case = 35%
- Normal Neutrophils = less than 5% and patient case =7%
- Normal Mast cells = less than 2% and patient case =4%
- Normal Eosinophils = less than 0.5% and patient case = 2%
- Normal hemosiderophages = 0.0% and patient case = 0%
Pulmonary Cytology for severe equine asthma
- Normal Alveolar Macrophages = 50-70% and patient case = 10%
- Normal Lymphocytes =30-50% and patient case = 10%
- Normal Neutrophils = less than 5% and patient case =80%
- Normal Mast cells = less than 2% and patient case =0%
- Normal Eosinophils = less than 0.5% and patient case = 0%
- Normal hemosiderophages = 0.0% and patient case = 0%
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