Because upper respiratory abnormalities lead to poor performance, predominantly in racing thoroughbreds, but also in show and sport horses; technology has evolved to help properly diagnose these issues. Changing from resting endoscopy to dynamic versions help veterinarians better evaluate and diagnose a performance horse with airway issues. This technology has evolved from use on a treadmill in a clinic setting to over-ground dynamic endoscopy. This lets a veterinarian evaluate a horse’s performance while in action.
Source: Paulick Report, April 8, 2016.
There are a number of abnormalities that are only apparent during exercise. Resting endoscopy, or endoscopy post-exercise, a lot of times doesn’t give you a true read of what’s going on during high-speed exercise.
INSIGHTS: This technology has been used for some time in major equine clinics and helps a veterinarian evaluate what is going on while the horse is performing. This is beneficial since the rider position, head position of the horse and other factors affect respiratory function. As technology evolves, there will likely be other aspects of the performance horse that can be evaluated simultaneously. Devices will continue to get lighter, less invasive and less expensive.