What clinical signs are seen with equine laryngeal paralysis?

• A. Laminitis signs
• B. Colic signs
• C. Neurologic deficits
• D. Coughing, exercise intolerance

Answer: (D)

Equine laryngeal paralysis causes an obstructed airway during inspiration because the laryngeal cartilage won’t abduct properly. As the horse breathes in, the narrowed glottis creates turbulent airflow that is often audible as an inspiratory noise during exercise. This reduced airflow means the horse struggles to meet the oxygen demands of work, leading to exercise intolerance. Coughing may occur from irritation of the airway due to the turbulent flow. Signs like laminitis or colic aren’t related to this condition, and wide neurologic deficits aren’t typical of isolated laryngeal paralysis. So coughing with exercise intolerance reflects the airway dysfunction at the heart of this condition.