Performance horses can develop a host of upper respiratory problems that can cause exercise intolerance, abnormal respiratory sounds, and poor performance. Fortunately, veterinarians have fine-tuned numerous methods for evaluating the upper respiratory tract for abnormalities. An equine surgeon recently reviewed these in a presentation to veterinarians at the 2011 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Nov. 18-22 in San Antonio, Texas.

When to Evaluate

Brett Woodie, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, a surgeon and owner at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, in Lexington, Ky., noted the veterinarian first must decide when an upper respiratory examination is indicated. Consultation with the horse’s owner or trainer is important, he added, as the veterinarian needs a complete history is to determine next steps