Information
Do you have questions about this theme? Do not hesitate to write an E-Mail - then we will provide
you with more information!
Respiratory diseases
No good results without a healthy respiratory tract! For this reason we have at the equine clinic Burg Mueggenhausen Dr. Martine Antys as a specialist for diseases of the cardiovascular tract of the horse. A horse is an athlete and its sports performances are excellent compared to other species. For optimal performance and health it is very important that the interaction between the different organ systems, the cardiac and respiratory system and the locomotory system of the horse are functioning. The respiratory system is of main importance for the performance. It takes up oxygen which is necessary to provide energy to the muscles. This biochemical reaction is hooked together to the production of carbon dioxide which is released by the lungs.
The lungs are also of importance for the thermoregulation and the regulation of the osmotic balance within the cells. Every limitation within this gas exchange has direct consequences on the performance capacity of the horse because the lungs cannot function optimally.
The respiratory problems are divided into those of the upper respiratory tract (nostrils, nasal cavity, larynx, trachea) and the lower respiratory tract (bronchi, alveoli). The problems of the upper and lower respiratory tract can be defined as infectious or non- infectious diseases. The causes of respiratory sounds during exercise are often found within the upper airway tract. An extensive examination is necessary to come to the diagnosis and therapy.
The respiratory problems of the lower airway tract are often either related to infectious problems like bacteria, viruses, parasites or non infectious problems like abnormal acquired sensitivities such as allergies. The decision and success of the therapy depends on the accuracy of the diagnostic. The stadium of the disease plays an important role in the prognosis and therapy.
Special equipment for the examination of the horse and for the extraction of samples for analysis are necessary. The number of returning patients makes clear that it is hard to find the particular problem. These returns are often related to insufficient therapy or housing, because it is very important to reduce dust and improve air ventilation.
Because of our high tech equipment; a small endoscope (1,35m), a large endoscope (2,80m), a digital radiography machine and ultrasound we are able to perform detailed examinations. The equipment presents qualitative images for the assessment of structures and the functionality of the particular part of the respiratory system. In addition, this equipment enables the veterinarian to abstract tissue or secretion samples. This technique influences the success of the examination considerably.
We are able to carry out a high sensible blood gas analysis which gives a very good indication for the assessment of lung functioning. Specialised laboratory techniques as the cytospin and the microscope offer a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample. Because of our experience on this field, we are able to process these laboratory examinations within our own laboratory. One of the applied techniques for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases is
The broncheo-alveolar lavage system
This is a system for assessing the mucus within the lower airway tract, (trachea and lungs) of the horse. To obtain the mucus, the horse must be sedated and placed in a stand. The endoscope is guided into the trachea, where NaCl is released trough the biopsy channel within the endoscope, into the trachea of the horse. The endoscope is then guided further into the trachea till fluid (NaCl mixed with mucus) has been reached, where this is sucked out. The fluid contains a part of the NaCl mixed with cells out of the trachea which can be examined by cytology.
The same principle is used when examining the mucus within the lungs. The endoscope is guided further down the trachea till the Carina (the point of the first division of the trachea) and passed into the left or right lung. The endoscope is guided further until it reaches an airway tube that is smaller than itself, at which point it is wedged in to the opening so that there is a good seal between the outside of the endoscope and the airway wall. Here, the fluid is infused into the lung and then sucked back out.
Cytology is performed on the samples, giving information about the cells present within the mucus. For each type of respiratory problem we have specific cells to assess, therefore we use different techniques. In this way we can assess various problems e.g. EIPH (lung bleeding), RAO (recurrent airway obstruction), IAD (inflammatory airway disease) etc.
In addition to the above mentioned laboratory examinations the endoscope is used to asses other airway problems for example roaring.
Besides using regular medicines, therapy can also be supported by homeopathic products, housing and feeding recommendations. Customers can also borrow our inhalator if necessary.
