Abnormal respiratory noise in horses can be an early indicator of upper airway disease. The most well known example is the so called roaring or whistling sound, a metallic inspiratory noise that typically occurs during exercise. In most cases, this sound is caused by laryngeal paralysis.
However, abnormal respiratory noises can also result from a wide range of other conditions, including anatomical abnormalities, inflammatory processes or soft tissue changes. Thorough diagnostic evaluation is therefore essential to determine the underlying cause and select the most appropriate treatment.
Abnormal respiratory noise can have many different causes. The most common is unilateral laryngeal paralysis resulting from degeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Additional causes include:
Clinical presentation and optimal treatment vary significantly depending on the underlying cause.
Typical signs indicating disease of the upper airway include:
Not every respiratory noise is diagnostic on its own. Comprehensive evaluation is therefore essential.
Abnormal respiratory noise often develops gradually. In early stages, symptoms may only occur during exercise. If laryngeal paralysis remains untreated, progression can lead to significant restriction of airflow.
Other upper airway abnormalities may also worsen over time, resulting in reduced athletic performance and compromised welfare. Early diagnostic clarification is a key factor in achieving optimal outcomes.
At Hanseklinik für Pferde, diagnosis follows a structured and comprehensive approach:
Not every abnormal respiratory noise automatically requires surgical intervention. At Hanseklinik für Pferde, treatment decisions are always based on individual diagnostic findings.
Possible treatment options include:
Prognosis depends strongly on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. With early diagnosis and expert surgical management, outcomes are often good to very good. Many performance horses are able to return to full athletic function.
If left untreated, however, symptoms may progress and lead to chronic respiratory distress.
A whistling or metallic noise during inspiration is often associated with unilateral laryngeal paralysis. Dynamic endoscopy during exercise is required to confirm the diagnosis.
No. Surgical intervention depends on diagnostic findings, severity and clinical impact. Not all abnormalities require treatment, but all should be evaluated.
If left untreated, laryngeal paralysis can lead to significant breathing difficulties and marked loss of performance. In severe cases, it may become life threatening, particularly during exertion.
Abnormal respiratory noise in horses can be an early indicator of upper airway disease. The most well known example is the so called roaring or whistling sound, a metallic inspiratory noise that typically occurs during exercise. In most cases, this sound is caused by laryngeal paralysis.
However, abnormal respiratory noises can also result from a wide range of other conditions, including anatomical abnormalities, inflammatory processes or soft tissue changes. Thorough diagnostic evaluation is therefore essential to determine the underlying cause and select the most appropriate treatment.
A whistling or metallic noise during inspiration is often associated with unilateral laryngeal paralysis. Dynamic endoscopy during exercise is required to confirm the diagnosis.
No. Surgical intervention depends on diagnostic findings, severity and clinical impact. Not all abnormalities require treatment, but all should be evaluated.
If left untreated, laryngeal paralysis can lead to significant breathing difficulties and marked loss of performance. In severe cases, it may become life threatening, particularly during exertion.
We kindly ask you to schedule appointments by phone. This way, we can plan the best treatment for your horse individually and directly.
+49 4282 - 5946340Please note our separate visiting hours.
Bitte vereinbaren Sie einen Besuchstermin im Voraus. Planen Sie etwa 1 Stunde ein und berühre bitte nur dein eigenes Pferd.
Our clinic is available around the clock for emergencies.In case of an emergency, please call us immediately.
We kindly ask you to schedule appointments by phone. This way, we can plan the best treatment for your horse individually and directly.
+49 4282 - 5946 340Please note our separate visiting hours.
Please schedule your visit in advance. Allow approximately 1 hour, and kindly only touch your own horse.
Our clinic is available around the clock for emergencies.In case of an emergency, please call us immediately.
We kindly ask you to schedule appointments by phone. This way, we can plan the best treatment for your horse individually and directly.
+49 4282 - 5946 340Please note our separate visiting hours.
Bitte vereinbare einen Besuchstermin im Voraus. Plane etwa 1 Stunde ein und berühre bitte nur dein eigenes Pferd.
Our clinic is available around the clock for emergencies.In case of an emergency, please call us immediately.
