What is a Roarer in Horses?
A Roarer, also known as laryngeal hemiplegia or roaring, is a condition in horses in which the recurrent laryngeal nerve is paralyzed. This results in a partial paralysis of the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx, which leads to an impaired ability to control airflow. This mismatch between the amount of air passing through the larynx and the amount of air passing through the nostrils results in a characteristic loud, rasping sound.
Causes of Roaring in Horses
There are a variety of causes of Roaring in horses, including:
- Congenital – This is when a horse is born with a defect in the recurrent laryngeal nerve, resulting in a permanent Roaring condition.
- Trauma – This could include head trauma from a fall, a bite from another animal, or a kick from another horse.
- Tumors – Tumors in the neck can cause inflammation or pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve, resulting in Roaring.
- Infection – Infectious diseases such as strangles, equine herpesvirus, or equine influenza can cause inflammation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, resulting in Roaring.
- Gastric Ulcers – Gastric ulcers can cause inflammation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, resulting in Roaring.
Symptoms of Roaring in Horses
The most obvious symptom of Roaring in horses is the loud, rasping sound that is heard when the horse breathes. Additionally, Roaring horses may display the following symptoms:
- Difficulty or inability to breathe deeply
- Gasping or wheezing
- Exercise intolerance
- Coughing or gagging
- Weight loss
- Lack of performance
Diagnosis of Roaring in Horses
In order to diagnose Roaring in horses, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and a thorough history of the horse. Additionally, your veterinarian will perform the following tests:
- Endoscopic Exam – A flexible endoscope is inserted into the horse’s larynx to evaluate the condition of the arytenoid cartilages.
- Thoracic Ultrasound – This test is used to evaluate the size and shape of the heart and lungs.
- Blood Work – Blood work is used to evaluate the overall health and wellbeing of the horse.
Treatment of Roaring in Horses
The treatment of Roaring in horses depends on the underlying cause. Generally, treatment involves:
- Surgery – Surgery is used to correct the underlying cause of Roaring. This may involve releasing the recurrent laryngeal nerve or removing any tumors or blockages in the larynx.
- Medication – Medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation or swelling of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and to reduce the risk of further damage.
- Rest and Rehabilitation – Horses with Roaring typically require rest and rehabilitation to prevent further damage to the larynx and to allow the horse to heal.
Management of Roaring in Horses
Once a horse has been diagnosed with Roaring, it is important to manage their condition properly to ensure a successful recovery. This includes:
- Diet – It is important to provide your Roaring horse with a balanced diet to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition.
- Exercise – Roaring horses should be restricted to light exercise only and should never be pushed to their limits.
- Medication – Any medications prescribed by your veterinarian should be followed as directed.
- Monitoring – Roaring horses should be monitored closely to ensure that they are not in any distress.
Prevention of Roaring in Horses
The best way to prevent Roaring in horses is to ensure that your horse is in good health and is not exposed to any potential causes of Roaring. This includes:
- Regular Vet Visits – It is important to have your horse checked by a veterinarian regularly to ensure that they are healthy and free from any potential causes of Roaring.
- Proper Nutrition – A balanced diet is important for maintaining your horse’s health.
- Consistent Exercise – Regular exercise helps to keep your horse healthy and fit.
- Prevent Infections – Vaccinations and parasite control can help to prevent infections that could lead to Roaring.
Conclusion
Roaring is a condition in horses that is caused by a partial paralysis of the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx. There are a variety of causes of Roaring, including congenital defects, trauma, tumors, infection, and gastric ulcers. The most common symptom of Roaring is a loud, rasping sound when the horse breathes. Roaring can be diagnosed through a physical exam, endoscopic exam, thoracic ultrasound, and blood work. Treatment of Roaring typically involves surgery, medication, and rest and rehabilitation. It is also important to manage your Roaring horse properly to ensure a successful recovery. The best way to prevent Roaring is to ensure that your horse is in good health and is not exposed to any potential causes of Roaring.
References
Kassel, J. (2020). Laryngeal Hemiplegia (Roaring). Retrieved from https://www.thehorse.com/articles/37883/laryngeal-hemiplegia-roaring
Reed, S. (2016). Roaring in Horses: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/respiratory/roaring-horses-causes-symptoms-treatment
Stashak, T. (2014). Adams’ Lameness in Horses. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/lameness-in-horses/adams-lameness-in-horses