Objective

• To evaluate size, shape and function of respiratory structures.
• To characterize and determine source(s) of any abnormal fluids, eg blood, exudate.
• To differentiate variations of normal from pathologic conditions.
• To determine the relationship between exercise intolerance and noise production.
• To place the findings of endoscopy in the context of clinical history and examination   Respiratory: physical examination  including other diagnostic aids such as radiography   Thorax: radiography    Respiratory: radiography - upper respiratory tract  , auscultation   Thorax: auscultation  and clinicopathologic data.

Endoscopes

Choice of endoscope

Care and maintenance

Patient restraint

Examination

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Priest D T et al (2012) Dynamic respiratory endoscopy of Standardbred racehorses during qualifying races. Equine Vet J 44 (5), 529-534 PubMed.
• Davidson E J & Parente E J (2011) Exercising videoendoscopic evaluation of 7 horses with abnormal respiratory noise and poor performance following partial arytenoidectomy. Equine Vet Educ 23 (12), 626-629 VetMedResource.
• Pollock P J & Reardon R J M (2009) Dynamic respiratory endoscopy without a treadmill: initial experiences. Equine Vet Educ 21 (7), 367-370 VetMedResource.
• Desmaizieres L M et al (2009) Dynamic respiratory endoscopy without treadmill in 68 performance Standardbred, Thoroughbred and saddle horses under natural training conditions. Equine Vet J 41 (4), 347-352 PubMed.
• Lindegaard C, Husted L, Ullum H & Fjeldborg J (2007) Sedation with detomidine and acepromazine influences the endoscopic evaluation of laryngeal function in horses. Equine Vet J 39 (6), 553-556 PubMed.
• Barakzai S (2003) Examination of the equine trachea and bronchi. UK Vet 8 (7), 5-9.
• Barakzai S (2003) Examination of the equine larynx. UK Vet 8 (5), 8-11.
• Millar B (1998) Care and disinfection of endoscopes. Equine Vet Educ 10 (5), 278-180 VetMedResource.
• Savage C J (1997) Evaluation of the equine respiratory system using physical examination and endoscope. Vet Clin north Am Equine Pract 13 (3), 443-462 PubMed.
• Hobo S, Matsuda Y & Yoshida K (1995) Prevalence of upper respiratory tract disorders detected with a flexible videoendoscope in thoroughbred racehorses. J Vet Med Sci 57 (3), 409-413 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Barakzai S (2007) Handbook of Equine Respiratory Endoscopy. Elsevier.