Nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses: 47 cases (1972-1985).
Nasopharyngeal cicatrices were observed endoscopically in 47 horses examined because of abnormal respiratory noises and/or exercise intolerance. A review of these cases revealed a correlation between cicatrization and age, sex, and the presence of other upper airway abnormalities. The age of affected horses ranged from 6 to 21 years, with a mean age of 12.7 +/- 7.8 (+/- 2 SD) years. Females were affected 2.7 times more frequently than males. Abnormalities commonly observed with a nasopharyngeal cicatrix included chondritis of the arytenoid cartilage, epiglottic deformity, and deformity of the guttural pouch openings. The nasopharyngeal cicatrix was responsible for respiratory obstruction in only 3 horses. Treatment for the cicatrix was not performed on any horse in this series. Generalized nasopharyngeal and laryngeal inflammation were postulated as causes of the cicatrices and associated abnormalities.
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies