Nixon Equine Endoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the upper airway using a flexible, fibreoptic endoscope, is used to assess and diagnose conditions of areas of the respiratory tract as an adjunct to clinical examination and performance assessment associated with dynamic problems of the airway tract infections and sources of bleeding.
Indications for endoscopy include
Nasal discharge (mucus, pus, blood, food, milk)
Respiratory noise (at exercise or rest)
Facial swelling
Coughing
Respiratory distress all of which can be associated with
Poor performance as well as specific diseases
The endoscope is passed in a similar way to a stomach tube, through the nostril and down the nasal passage into the pharynx, where the respiratory tract and oral cavity merge. Once in the pharynx, the soft palate, larynx, and guttural pouch openings can be visualised. From here the endoscope is passed through the larynx into the trachea. It can be passed down the trachea towards the corina, where the trachea divides into the two major bronchi. Further entry into the lung is not normally performed as this area is very sensitive and delicate.
In addition to visual assessment of the respiratory tract a tracheal wash may be performed. The endoscope is passed into the trachea and a narrow catheter is fed down a channel in the endoscope. Approximately 50mls of warm, sterile saline is then injected through the tube into the airway where it mixes with fluid and cellular debris. The fluid and contents are then drawn back into the syringe. It can then be analysed for red or white blood cells, bacteria and fungal spores.
In most horses, endoscopy can be carried out in the standing, resting horse. Some horses will however require sedation and is usually performed at our clinic, with the horse in stocks.
