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  Discussion on Foal born with disfunctional arytenoids
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Member:
indigo

Posted on Monday, May 3, 2010 - 5:35 pm:

Hello Dr. O,

Had a filly born last week that immediately exhibited respiratory distress. She was obviously laboring to breathe, and my vet initially thought she had an obstruction. Had her scoped and there is no blockage, but her arytenoids are not functioning at all. They lie motionless when she breathes in and out, as if they are paralyzed. Vet said it is congenital defect, and it may or may not self correct. We are treating her with antibiotics (amikacin/pen g) as she has been aspirating milk at times, dmso/fluids daily and also a throat spray (not sure exactly what is in this.)

Have you ever seen or heard of this issue in a newborn foal, and if so did it resolve? The vet who looked at her had not seen it before, but said it may or may not get better. She told me not to get my hopes up. My plan is to treat for a couple weeks, rescope and make a decision on how to move forward, but I am interested to know if you have any experience with this.

Thanks!
CC
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 8:56 am:

Hello CC,
Laryngeal paralysis has been associated with HYPP in very young foals: is this a possibility?
DrO
PS: Here is a report of 4 such cases with treatment options:

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1992 Jul 1;201(1):85-9.
Respiratory stridor associated with polymyopathy suspected to be hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in four quarter horse foals.

Traub-Dargatz JL, Ingram JT, Stashak TS, Kiper ML, Tarr S, Child G, MacAllister CG.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.

Abstract
Four Quarter Horse foals ranging in age from 6 days to 2 months were determined to have upper airway stridor secondary to polymyopathy suspected to be hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Electromyography revealed spontaneous muscle activity in all muscles examined. Electromyographic findings were similar in the dams of 3 foals (No. 1, 3 and 4). Hyperkalemia was found in foals 1 and 4. Endoscopically, the upper airway stridor in foals 1 and 3 was confirmed to be attributable to laryngeal and pharyngeal collapse or spasm. Foals 1, 2, and 3 were treated with acetazolamide. Foal 4 was not treated, at the owner's request. Foals 2 and 3 improved with treatment, foal 4's condition was static, and foal 1 required a tracheostomy and laryngeal surgery to manage its upper airway stridor.
Member:
indigo

Posted on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 2:13 pm:

Interesting, thanks Dr. O.

This foal SUPPOSEDLY is not Impressive bred at all. Mare has been DNA'd so I am confident she is not; sire has also been DNA'd and he does not trace to Impressive. However, I did purchase this mare late last year so she was already in foal at the time. I am going to check with the previous owner and see if there is ANY possibility the sire could be different than the one indicated.

Would the acetazolamide have a negative impact on her if she is treated and does NOT have HYPP?

Thanks!
CC
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, May 6, 2010 - 5:36 am:

That is not a question I can answer CC. I have never used the drug in newborns but do not know any specific contraindications. As a diuretic it will have effects on hydration, acid base balance, and electrolyte balance. If these are already out of whack certainly it's use could cause further problems. The important thing is for your veterinarian to evaluate the foal and decide if on balance the risk is offset by the potential benefit.
DrO
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