Veterinarians from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, in Lexington, Ky., presented information about radiographic images of joints, endoscopic videos of throats, and changes in conditions of sale during an educational forum on issues involving sale yearlings Aug. 16 in Lexington.

Rood & Riddle veterinarians have done a number studies over the years involving sale yearling issues and much of presentation involved the results of those studies. The veterinarians also talked about their personal experiences involving young horses.

Pharyngitis, which is inflammation of the wall of the pharynx, is commonly seen in the throats of sale yearlings, according to Scott Pierce, DVM. The condition causes numerous small bumps on the pharynx.

"A little pharyngitis is not a big deal; it’s like tonsillitis in a kid," he said. "I don’t get too wound up as long as the airway is function properly. Most of them (young horses) have it up until (they are) 2. As they mature, things improve and all that goes away