Diseases of the Upper Respiratory Tract
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are slow growing,
growths that form in the nasal cavity.
They are caused by chronic irritation or infection of respiratory tract.
Nasal polyps are comprised of fibrous connective tissue with overlying respiratory epithelium that originates from the nasal mucosa due to chronic inflammation of the airways. Predispositions include horses with chronic allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis or asthma. Thera has been no age, breed or gender predispositions confirmed. Signs and symptoms include visual painless, smooth, white, soft, pedunculated polyps with in the nasal cavity, foul nasal odour with intermittent nasal discharge or minimal epistaxis, dyspnea and inspiratory stridor resulting in exercise intolerance. Horses may also rub their noses. Polyps may occur unilateral or bilateral and can occur in singles or in multiples. Diagnosis includes signs and symptoms, endoscopy, CT or MRI. Treatment is usually surgical removal. Antibiotics & corticosteroids may also be prescribed.
Prognosis is good but polyps may reoccur after removal.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a term used to indicate inflammation of the
sinuses.
Sinusitis is usually caused by Streptococcus spp . bacteria infection though occasionally fungal species are responsible. lining of the paranasal sinus causing inflammation of the mucous membrane. Inflammation of the membrane causes the increased production of mucus as the membrane attempts to flush the bacteria from the respiratory tract. The bacteria infect the Bacterial infection of the sinuses is transmitted through the inspiration of respiratory aerosols from an infected horse and through the contact with infected fomites.
Predisposition includes dental abscess.
The clinical presentation of sinusitis includes nasal discharge, dyspnea, cough, headache, exercise intolerance, pain, heat and visible swelling over the affected sinus and lacrimal discharge. It can be unilateral or bilateral, asymmetric, may have a foul odor and sound dull when the sinuses are tapped. Systemic signs of fever, anorexia & depression will also be evident.
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