Endoscopy :: Nixon Equine Vets
Endoscopic examination of the upper airway using a flexible fibre-optic endoscope is used to assess and diagnose conditions in the respiratory tract as an adjunct to clinical examination and performance assessment associated with dynamic problems of the airway tract infections and sources of bleeding.
Dynamic Respiratory Scope
- So much more than an Endoscope!
- Nixon Equine Vets is pleased to annonce the arrival of our new Dynamic Respiratory Scope.
- 70% of cases of underperformance in the horse are of respiratory origin
- The Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS) has proven to be revolutionary in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of horses and allows the acquisition of images of the equine pharynx and larynx under normal exercise conditions and does not require the use of a high speed treadmill.
- There are multiple conditions that affect the upper respiratory tract of horses, many of which are known to be dynamic in nature, that is that they are more severe or occur only during exercise. Any abnormality in the upper respiratory tract of the horse causes a reduction in the amount of oxygen it receives and can have an adverse effect on performance.
- Now for the first time at Nixon Equine we are able to actually visualise what is going on in the equine larynx of the horse during ridden exercise under standard exercise conditions, this will not only allow us to make a complete accurate diagnosis but just as important is the fact that we can assess various interventions; e.g.nosebands, bits, tongue ties and even wind surgery.
- Previously the gold standard technique for diagnosing these conditions requires high speed treadmill endoscopy but since the launch of the DRS we are now able to visualise the upper airway of the horse without the need for this expensive and often dangerous procedure.
- For more information please call us on 01280 813258.
Indications for endoscopy include:
- Nasal discharge (mucus, pus, blood, food, milk)
Respiratory noise (at exercise or rest)
Facial swelling
Coughing
Respiratory distress that can be associated with poor performance as well as specific disease.
- The endoscope is passed in a similar way to a stomach tube, through the nostril and down the nasal passage into the pharynx, where the respiratory tract and oral cavity merge. Once in the pharynx, the soft palate, larynx, and guttural pouch openings can be visualised. From here the endoscope is passed through the larynx into the trachea. It can be passed down the trachea towards the corina, where the trachea divides into the two major bronchi. Further entry into the lung is not normally performed as this area is very sensitive and delicate.
- In addition to visual assessment of the respiratory tract a tracheal wash may be performed. The endoscope is passed into the trachea and a narrow catheter is fed down a channel in the endoscope. Approximately 50ml of warm, sterile saline is then injected through the tube into the airway where it mixes with fluid and cellular debris. The fluid and contents are then drawn back into the syringe. It can then be analysed for red or white blood cells, bacteria and fungal spores.
- In most horses, endoscopy can be carried out in the standing, resting horse. Some horses will however require sedation and is usually performed at our clinic, with the horse in stocks.
