The air sacs of horses are part of the upper respiratory tract. They develop in foals as a mucous membrane protrusion on both sides of the Eustachian tube (the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharyngeal cavity), each with a capacity of approximately 300 ml. Air sacs are found exclusively in equines and some other odd-toed ungulates, making them a unique feature. There are various theories about the function of the air sacs. The most likely is that they serve to cool the brain. There is a connection between the horse's throat and the air sacs, which is why infections of the upper respiratory tract can also spread to the air sacs. The most important diseases of the air sacs are described below.
Inflammation of the air sacs often occurs as a result of a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract or bacterial throat infections such as strangles (see article on strangles). Injuries or the direct penetration of feed particles or fungi can also cause air sac inflammation. Purulent inflammation occurs very frequently, especially after the rupture of abscessed lymph nodes in the laryngeal folds in cases of strangles. This is followed by the accumulation of pus in the air sacs, sometimes in large quantities. This is referred to as air sac empyema.
The clinical picture can vary depending on the extent of the inflammation and the type of underlying disease. The general condition may be disturbed and the body temperature may be slightly elevated. Air sac inflammation is often accompanied by increased unilateral, intermittent nasal discharge with a foul odor. The affected air sac can swell significantly, leading to difficulty swallowing and breathing. In some horses, air sac swelling can also be felt from the outside.
The veterinarian can usually diagnose air sac inflammation based on the clinical symptoms and the patient's medical history. To confirm the diagnosis, further examination with an endoscope is always recommended. This allows the air sacs to be examined and treated very effectively. As the examination is not straightforward, it is advisable to have it carried out at a clinic.
To treat the condition, the veterinarian flushes the inflamed air sac with a catheter. In the case of bacterial infections, additional antibiotic therapy should be administered. If there is very solid inflammatory material in the air sac that cannot be flushed out, surgical intervention may be necessary. To allow any secretions to drain better, it is recommended to soak and feed the animal from the floor several times after starting treatment.
Air sac mycosis is an infection of the air sac with mold fungi and is one of the most feared fungal diseases in horses. The colonization with fungi can occur on one or both sides and remain symptom-free for a long time. However, once the fungal cells penetrate the mucous membrane, dangerous vascular damage or brain nerve paralysis can occur. Without any prior signs, this can suddenly lead to severe bleeding from one nostril, which can cause the horse to bleed to death if left untreated. Paralysis of the larynx and vocal cords is also possible.
However, diagnosing air sac mycosis is not always easy. The disease can only be diagnosed endoscopically once fungal deposits have formed inside the air sac. If vascular damage has already occurred, blood may also be detected. However, both of these symptoms may be absent despite infection, which makes diagnosis considerably more difficult.
Fungal infection of the air sac can generally be treated either with antifungal medication administered directly into the air sac via irrigation or surgically. Surgery includes conventional and minimally invasive procedures. An important step in the treatment of air sac mycosis has been achieved by ligating the main vessel that runs through the air sac. This prevents the fungus from entering the vessel and causing life-threatening bleeding. In addition, the fungus is deprived of its nutrient supply, preventing it from growing. Thanks to these modern treatment methods, the risks of a vessel rupture can now be significantly reduced.
Air sac tympany is a relatively rare condition that mainly affects foals and young horses. Air flows into the air sac but cannot escape, causing excessive air to accumulate in one or both air sacs. Air sac tympany is often associated with air sac empyema.
The cause and exact mechanism of development remain unclear. In foals, the condition is due to a malformation of the Eustachian tube. A hereditary predisposition to this malformation has been demonstrated in Arabians and warmbloods. The air sac expands to such an extent that the ganasche is clearly visible from the outside and the narrowing of the airways leads to severe breathing difficulties, coughing, and swallowing disorders, which can even result in aspiration pneumonia (= pneumonia).
The veterinarian can usually make a suspected diagnosis based on the typical clinical picture. The diagnosis can be confirmed with the help of a further endoscopic examination. At the same time, most of the air can be released during the endoscopy. In some cases, it may also be advisable to take X-rays. Air sac tympany can be treated successfully either by conventional surgery under general anesthesia or, more recently, by minimally invasive laser surgery on a standing horse, with a significantly better prognosis after laser surgery.
Just like in humans, the lung tissue of dogs can become inflamed. Medically referred to as pneumonia, this condition is also a serious illness in dogs and can lead to death if left untreated.
Heatstroke occurs when the internal body temperature rises above 41 degrees Celsius, which can cause life-threatening physical damage. Sunstroke, on the other hand, refers to heat accumulation in the area of the meninges caused by intense sunlight on the animal's head, which can also lead to the death of the patient in severe cases. The body temperature does not necessarily have to be elevated in sunstroke.
Neoplasms of the mammary gland account for more than half of all cancers in female dogs. These benign or malignant tumors occur primarily in older, unspayed female dogs and initially appear as small, nodular changes along the entire mammary gland, which can later become very large. Different types of mammary tumors can occur.
Most horse owners are now familiar with Cushing's syndrome and its symptoms in horses. A disease with very similar symptoms is equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). In its early stages, it is therefore often confused with equine Cushing's syndrome. But what is the difference?
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects cats but can also be transmitted to humans, which is why it is classified as a zoonosis. Humans are considered intermediate hosts, although clinical symptoms do not usually occur. It only becomes truly dangerous when pregnant women come into contact with toxoplasma for the first time and the pathogen infects the unborn child.
This muscle disease, which was only discovered in recent years, occurs primarily in Quarter Horses and cold-blooded animals and is characterized by the storage of excessive amounts of glycogen (animal starch stored in cells) in the horse's muscles. It is known as polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM).
Endoscopy is an imaging, minimally invasive procedure in which body cavities and hollow organs can be viewed and examined using an endoscope. Endoscopes are either rigid or flexible and have a light source and a camera at the front that transmits the image directly to a screen.
Imaging diagnostics refers to all diagnostic procedures that use diagnostic devices to generate two- or even three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. These images can be used to detect disease-related changes, among other things.
Having a horse as a partner is something very special. There are many different types of equestrian sports, so everyone can find something that fulfills them and that both humans and horses enjoy. We have listed some of the most well-known disciplines and terms for you below.
Many riders get it at some point: tournament fever—the desire to compete and measure themselves against others who share the same passion. However, it's not quite as simple as just jumping in. In competitive sports, you have to meet a few requirements before you can embark on your adventure as a rider-horse team. Depending on the type of riding or driving, there are various rules and regulations that must be observed. Below you will find the most important information for classic English riding.
The question of finding the right horse is certainly on the minds of many seekers. It is difficult to say right away whether you, as a buyer, will develop a deep connection with a horse you have tried out. Friendship and love grow over time. However, giving it some thought beforehand will certainly help you find your perfect horse in the end.
Megaesophagus (mega = large; esophagus = food pipe) describes a pathological enlargement of the esophagus. In the case of megaesophagus, the esophagus is not contracted by the muscles as usual, but is abnormally dilated and filled with air as a result of muscle paralysis.
