An Excerpt From ...

THE ILLUSTRATED VETERINARY ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR HORSEMEN

This indispensible reference can be found on just about every horse person's shelf—or in the barn! And it's not called an encyclopedia for nothing! Virtually everything you need to know about a horse—in sickness and in health—is in this book. But unlike many references on veterinary topics, this book is presented in a unique question-and-answer format that makes learning easy. Its readable yet comprehensive text and hundreds of illustrations make it a favorite in colleges, universities, and 4-H clubs.

Inflammation of the Air Passages

(Laryngitis, Tracheitis, Bronchitis, Rhinitis and Pharyngitis)

How are inflammations of the air passages caused?

Inflammations of the upper respiratory tract are generally the result of infection. Laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, rhinitis or pharyngitis occur as a secondary infection to another disease in most cases. Some horse diseases in which upper respiratory infection is characteristic are equine viral rhinopneumonitis, equine viral arteritis, equine influenza, infectious equine bronchitis and strangles. Other cases of upper respiratory inflammation are irritants such as the inhalation of dust, smoke, irritating gases, a lodged foreign body or the act of coughing.

What are the signs of upper respiratory tract inflammation?

Inflammation is rarely restricted to one area of the upper respiratory tract, although it may be more severe in one particular place. The signs are variable according to the site of location and according to the primary disease. Generally, however, a cough is the major sign. It begins as a harsh, dry cough, eventually becoming moist and painful as the condition becomes worse. Nasal discharge increases and becomes purulent, and the breath may have a fetid odor. Difficult breathing accompanied by rales, snoring, deepened respiratory movement and prolonged inspiration are common. The animal may stand with its head lowered and mouth open, and exhibit pain and difficulty in swallowing. In the acute stage, temperatures range from 103°-105°F. The animal has a loss of appetite, but a desire for water. Secondary bacterial infections or extensions of infection often lead to pneumonia.

How does the veterinarian make differential diagnoses in cases of upper respiratory inflammation?

Diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical signs, the history of the primary disease, and the response to therapy. Environmental factors must also be taken into consideration. Differentiation from pneumonia or various obstructions may be difficult and may require a complete examination of the respiratory system.

Fig. 18-14. Diagrams of the trachea showing normal and inflamed conditions. Notice the presence of pus, and the thickening of the epithelium in the inflamed state.

How are upper respiratory inflammations treated?

Identification and treatment of the primary disease is of first importance. Protection of the horse in a warm, dry, dust-free place is essential. The horse should be rested and fed soft foods. Antitussives for the cough, antibiotics or sulfonamides for infection, analgesics for the pain, or expectorants are all possible veterinary treatments. A tracheotomy, performed by the veterinarian, may be necessary if the obstruction is severe enough to hamper breathing drastically.

What is the prognosis in cases of upper respiratory inflammation?

In acute cases, the prognosis is good if treatment is administered quickly and consistently. Horses affected chronically tend to relapse and develop chronic bronchitis or bronchopneumonia. Chronic cases of pharyngitis and laryngitis can persist sometimes permanently unless properly treated.

Also explained in this chapter:

... including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
of each condition! Be sure to order your copy of:

The Illustrated Veterinary Encyclopedia for Horsemen

More About This Book