Idiopathic mucosal lesions of the arytenoid cartilages of 21 Thoroughbred yearlings: 1997-2001.
Authors: Kelly G, Lumsden J M, Dunkerly G, Williams T, Hutchins D R
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Between 1997 and 2001, Kelly and colleagues reviewed endoscopic findings from 3,312 Thoroughbred yearlings presented for post-sale examination, identifying mucosal ulcers and granulomas affecting the arytenoid cartilages in 21 animals (0.63% incidence)—making this the most frequently documented upper airway abnormality in their cohort. The lesions, predominantly located on the axial surface and rostral margin of the vocal process, were characterised by careful examination of location, size, and laterality, with follow-up data collected through repeat endoscopy by either the research team or attending veterinarians. Of the 19 horses with documented lesions, 15 ulcers resolved without complication during follow-up; however, two yearlings with bilateral ulceration progressed to granuloma formation at each site, and notably, one horse developed arytenoid chondropathy—indicating that whilst most lesions are self-limiting, a small percentage may result in permanent structural damage. For practitioners involved in pre-purchase examination and sales work, these findings underscore the importance of meticulous arytenoid inspection during routine endoscopy, particularly given that early identification allows for medical intervention and client notification of potential complications; the authors recommend follow-up endoscopy to confirm resolution and determine whether progression to granulomatous or chondritic disease has occurred.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Include careful examination of the arytenoid cartilage mucosa, especially at the rostral vocal process margin, in all pre-purchase endoscopic examinations of Thoroughbred yearlings—this lesion is more common than other upper airway abnormalities.
- •While most arytenoid mucosal ulcers heal spontaneously, purchasers and sales companies should be notified of any identified lesions due to the small risk of progression to granuloma or chondropathy.
- •Implement medical therapy and schedule follow-up endoscopy within a reasonable timeframe for yearlings with documented arytenoid mucosal ulcers to confirm healing and detect any progression to more serious pathology.
Key Findings
- •Mucosal lesions of the arytenoid cartilage occurred in 0.63% of 3,312 Thoroughbred yearlings examined, making it the most common documented upper respiratory tract condition in this population.
- •15 of 19 horses (79%) with arytenoid mucosal ulceration healed without complication during follow-up examination.
- •2 horses developed granulomas at bilateral ulceration sites and 1 horse progressed from ulceration to granuloma to arytenoid chondropathy, demonstrating a small risk of progression.
- •The rostral margin of the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage is the primary site of mucosal ulceration in affected yearlings.