Researchers believe nasopharyngeal cicatrix is the result of an environmental agent, possibly in pasture, but no one knows for sure what causes it or why it generally affects horses in such a localized geographic region. | Photo: iStock

Some horses in a narrow region of Texas have developed a condition known as nasopharyngeal cicatrix, which causes scarring of the upper airway. Researchers believe this disease is the result of an environmental agent, but no one knows for sure what causes it or why it is so localized.

Canaan Whitfield, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, an assistant professor of large animal surgery at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (TAMU CVM), in College Station, has seen many horses with this condition.

“Symptoms are variable and depend on the stage and severity of disease,” he said. “In early stages, you might see nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and other similar signs