Which horses are more likely to be affected with left recurrent laryngeal hemiplegia?
Left recurrent laryngeal hemiplegia is most often observed in horses between ages two and seven after they have begun training. The disease appears to be more common in large breed horses (greater than seventeen hands). There is some evidence that left recurrent laryngeal hemiplegia may be hereditary. Left recurrent laryngeal hemiplegia may also be associated with localized infections, certain toxins, or trauma to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. How is left recurrent laryngeal hemiplegia diagnosed? Horses with left recurrent laryngeal hemiplegia may exhibit some degree of exercise intolerance and will make loud breathing noises described as “roaring” or “whistling” during strenuous exercise. The performance level of an afflicted horse may progressively decline over a period of weeks or months. Some horses may develop a cough or a change in their neigh. Horses brought to a veterinarian after exhibiting these signs will receive a complete physical examination to rule out other causes
