Co-Medical Director Florida Equine Veterinary Associates (FEVA) Ocala, Florida
Endoscopic examination of the upper airway in the public sales arena is discussed. Differences of opinion in upper airway evaluation are common at the sales and are often a significant source of frustration for both consignors and prospective buyers. Varying scope opinions between veterinarians most often involve arytenoid function grade and this subjectivity persists despite the existence of 2 grading scales that are objective and well defined (Modified Cornell and Havemeyer). The reasons for this subjectivity are discussed.
Video-endoscopy has been common place for many years in the UK and Europe but has only been recently adopted in this country. In 2016 the AAEP published a protocol for "Pre-Sale Videoendoscopic Examination of the Upper Airway at Public Auction". All 3 domestic sales companies (Keeneland, Fasig Tipton, and Ocala Breeders) have adopted this protocol and are encouraging (but not requiring) consignor participation to place current videoendoscopic studies in the repository. This change in the sales dynamic is discussed.
Several specific upper airway conditions will be discussed.