Dr. Alison Morton performing a dynamic treadmill endoscopy examination on Andy, a warmblood, at the UF Large Animal Hospital. A standing endoscopic examination did not provide a complete assessment, but the treadmill endoscopy revealed progressive collapse of the left arytenoid cartilage and vocal fold which almost completely obstructed Andy's rima glottis -- the opening between the vocal cords and the arytenoid into his trachea.
Laryngeal hemiplegia is paresis or paralysis of one arytenoid (most commonly the left). The arytenoids open and close allowing air into the trachea and lungs. The clinical signs of laryngeal hemiplegia are exercise intolerance, trouble breathing, or a 'roaring' sound when breathing because of the abnormal airflow through the larynx.
Horses can have laryngeal hemiplegia with no symptoms, but the noise and exercise intolerance may worsen over time and lead to the inability of the horse to perform to its potential.
[ Ссылка ]
