At Ormeau Vet, we know that diagnosing airway issues requires more than just looking at a horse standing still. That is why we offer Dynamic (Overground) Endoscopy for diagnosing upper airway obstructions.

Here is how this advanced technology allows us to look inside your horse’s airway while they are doing what they do best: working.

The Problem with “Resting” Scopes

Traditionally, if a horse was making a respiratory noise (like “roaring” or gurgling), we would use a standard endoscope in the stable. The horse is standing still, calm, and breathing normally.

The problem? An airway at rest looks very different from an airway at full gallop.

When a horse is exercising, they are moving massive amounts of air (up to 1,800 liters per minute!). The pressure inside the throat changes drastically. Many conditions—like a collapsing throat or a displacing palate—only happen when the horse is under maximum pressure.

If we only look when they are standing still, we might miss the problem entirely.

What is Overground Endoscopy?

Dynamic Overground Endoscopy allows us to take the exam room to the track or arena.

Instead of a vet standing next to the horse with a wire, we use a specialized, lightweight unit.

1. The Scope: A flexible camera is inserted up the horse’s nostril and secured in place.

2. The Pack: The recording unit and light source are housed in a specially designed saddle pad or harness.

3. The Tech: The image is transmitted wirelessly to a screen held by the vet (who is standing safely on the ground) or recorded for later slow-motion analysis.

This means you can ride or drive your horse in their normal tack, on their normal surface, at full speed.

Common Conditions We Diagnose

This technology identifies the specific mechanical failures that stop a horse from breathing effectively:

• DDSP (Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate): Often called “choking down” or “gurgling.” The soft palate flips up and blocks the airway during intense exercise, causing the horse to pull up suddenly.

• Laryngeal Hemiplegia (“Roaring”): When one side of the larynx (voice box) is paralyzed and collapses into the airway as the horse breathes in.

• Epiglottic Entrapment: Where the tissue folds over the epiglottis, restricting airflow.

• Pharyngeal Collapse: The walls of the throat collapsing inward under high pressure.

What to Expect During the Appointment

1. The Setup

We start with a standard “resting” scope to ensure there are no obvious issues or inflammation. We then fit the dynamic scope system. It is lightweight and fits under or over most standard bridles.

2. The Exercise Test

We need to replicate the conditions where the problem occurs.

• If you have a racehorse, we might ask you to gallop them.

• If you have a showjumper, we might ask you to jump a course.

• If you have a dressage horse that makes noise “on the bit,” we will observe them in a collected frame.

3. The Analysis

Once the horse has cooled down, we review the footage frame-by-frame. Because we can see exactly when the airway fails (e.g., “The palate displaced at the 600m mark”), we can recommend the most effective treatment—whether that is surgery, tack changes, or throat support equipment.