Evaluation of Overground Endoscopy Findings in Colombian Criollo Paso Horses.
Authors: Joó Kinga, Duque Betancourt Diego, Vasquez Marin Tomas, Parra Moyano Leonardo A
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Colombian Paso horses performing their characteristic high-poll flexion gaits have not been systematically evaluated for dynamic upper airway dysfunction, despite anecdotal reports of poor exercise performance and abnormal respiratory sounds. Overground endoscopy at rest and during exercise was conducted on 40 individuals, with statistical analysis examining associations between different upper respiratory tract disorders. Arytenoid cartilage collapse occurred in 35 horses (87.5%), with dynamic laryngeal collapse (DLC) being the predominant finding and showing significant associations with vocal cord collapse, nasopharyngeal collapse, and epiglottic margin collapse; notably, ventromedial luxation of the arytenoid corniculate process was over-represented in this population compared with published data from other breeds, whilst dorsal soft palate displacement remained relatively uncommon (4/40 cases). The authors propose that the breed's extreme poll flexion, combined with a relatively narrow laryngeal lumen and high-intensity workload, creates a predisposition to DLC and related airway collapse patterns that appear breed-characteristic rather than incidental. For equine professionals working with paso horses—particularly those experiencing exercise intolerance or respiratory noise—these findings suggest that dynamic laryngeal assessment during overground endoscopy should be routine, and that gait or training modifications reducing sustained high poll flexion may help mitigate these functional airway problems.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Colombian Paso horses with abnormal respiratory sounds and poor exercise performance should be evaluated for dynamic laryngeal collapse and arytenoid cartilage pathology via overground endoscopy, as these are highly prevalent (87.5%) in this breed.
- •The breed's characteristic high poll flexion during special gaits appears to predispose to laryngeal dysfunction; consider this when assessing respiratory issues and performance problems.
- •Ventromedial luxation of the arytenoid is notably overrepresented in this breed compared to others, suggesting breed-specific anatomical or biomechanical vulnerability warranting specific diagnostic attention.
Key Findings
- •Arytenoid cartilage collapse was observed in 35 of 40 (87.5%) Colombian Paso horses during exercise.
- •Dynamic laryngeal collapse was the most significant finding and significantly associated with vocal cord collapse, nasopharyngeal collapse, and epiglottic margin collapse.
- •Ventromedial luxation of the arytenoid corniculate process apex was over-represented in this breed compared to other studies.
- •Dorsal displacement of soft palate was relatively uncommon (4/40 cases) despite intensive workload, suggesting breed-specific predisposing factors related to high poll flexion.