Laryngeal Whistling in Horses: When the Sound Indicates Health

‍What is Laryngeal Whistling in Horses?

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Laryngeal whistling in horses is a disease of the larynx, which in most cases is caused by partial paralysis of the laryngeal muscles or the supplying laryngeal nerve. A typical sign of laryngeal paralysis is a whistling sound when inhaling, which is particularly noticeable under stress .

In 90% of cases, the left side of the larynx is affected by paralysis or dysfunction. The recurrent laryngeal nerve can no longer lift the cartilage and thus no longer stretch the vocal cord behind it. This leads to a rejuvenation of the respiratory tract. As horses can only breathe through their nose, they need a fully functional larynx, which is the entrance to the windpipe . The larynx is, so to speak, the switch that opens the windpipe when breathing and closes it when swallowing. It thus prevents the horse from inhaling food and swallowing air.

If the function of the larynx is impaired, it no longer opens sufficiently to allow 100% of the inhaled air to pass into the lungs. The horse experiences breathing difficulties or even shortness of breath, and the lack of oxygen results in a drop in performance.

Large horse breeds such as warmbloods, thoroughbreds or some cold-blooded breeds are often affected. Between 3 and 8% of thoroughbreds are affected by laryngeal whistling.

Laryngeal paralysis horse symptoms

The most prominent symptom of laryngeal whistling is the unnatural sound of breathing under stress. Depending on the type of disease, this sound can be perceived as whistling, grunting, humming or roaring.

The most common form is laryngeal paralysis, which is usually accompanied by a whistling sound. This is where the term laryngeal whistling in horses comes from.

Another factor that influences the intensity of the breathing sound is the horse's head and neck posture:

• A bent neck, a tight rein connection or a tied horse intensify the symptoms.

Other symptoms of laryngeal whistling:

• Shortness of breath
• reluctance to move or even panic reactions because the horse cannot breathe under stress
• Weak performance and loss of performance due to lack of oxygen
• Incorrect rhythm in canter, as the horse breathes in with every canter jump - a breathing disorder leads to loss of rhythm
• Soft, hoarse-sounding whinnying
• Difficulty breathing and risk of suffocation if the cartilage is sucked in and blocks the windpipe

Laryngeal whistling in horses is divided into five degrees of severity . This classification is important to determine whether treatment is necessary and whether the horse can continue to be ridden.

• Grade 1-2: Mild laryngeal whistling in horses, no to minor effects on breathing and performance.
• Grade 3-4: Advanced laryngeal paralysis in horses, the vocal cord shows clear changes, breathing noises increase, performance losses occur.
• Grade 5: Severe laryngeal whistle disease, the vocal cord is completely paralyzed, surgery is mandatory.

If the whistling noise in the horse only occurs under heavy strain, the animal can in many cases continue to be used as a leisure horse. Nevertheless, regular veterinary checks are necessary as the symptoms can worsen over time.

Causes of Laryngeal Whistling

The exact causes of laryngeal whistling are not clearly understood scientifically. In many cases, the condition remains idiopathic, i.e. without a recognizable cause.

A frequently discussed theory is injury or degeneration of the laryngeal nerve, with the left side being particularly affected.

Possible favoring factors:

• Injuries to the larynx
• Air sac mycosis
• Complications of general anesthesia, especially due to hyperextension of the neck
• Tumors or abscesses in the area of the larynx
• Poisonings
• Infections such as druse or fungal infections (very rare)

Riding style and equipment can also play a role:

• Head position too narrow (roll cure)
• A throat strap that is too tight and mechanically impairs the larynx

Another possible trigger is nerve irritation caused by injections, especially if medication accidentally enters a vein and damages the laryngeal nerve.

As the symptoms can worsen gradually, early diagnosis and veterinary control is crucial in order to initiate appropriate treatment.

Horses are designed to escape quickly and therefore need plenty of oxygen when training or working. A clear air supply is crucial for effective breathing and an excellent supply of oxygen to the muscles. This supports a healthy immune system, high performance and the well-being of the horse. However, contaminants such as dust, dirt or allergens can clog or irritate the airways, making breathing difficult.

➡️ Video tip: Healthy airways for optimal performance! Learn how to protect your horse's lungs from dust, dirt and allergens to improve oxygen supply and optimize performance - for a healthy and happy horse!

‍The Sound in the Horse: Consequences of Laryngeal Whistling

The consequences of laryngeal whistling are obvious: the horse quickly runs out of breath during work and its performance is massively reduced. In the worst case, however, the horse can also suffocate if the larynx collapses completely. Swallowing can also be a danger with laryngeal whistling if the larynx no longer closes completely when swallowing. This is particularly the case after laryngeal surgery (see treatment of laryngeal whistling).

Until 2002, laryngeal whistling was still considered a warranty defect and allowed the horse to be returned to the breeder. Today, however, there are good chances for laryngeal whistlers thanks to various surgical procedures.

Diagnosis of Laryngeal Whistling

Even if whistling when inhaling is a clear sign of laryngeal whistling in horses, the final diagnosis should always be made by a vet.

Clinical examination

The veterinarian begins with a clinical examination, which includes the following steps:

• Listening to the airways to identify abnormalities in breathing.
• Palpation of the larynx to detect possible muscle atrophy or structural changes.

Endoscopy of the larynx

An endoscopy is performed to make a reliable diagnosis. This involves inserting a flexible, thin tube with a camera through the nose to the larynx in order to take a close look at the airways.

Types of endoscopy:

• Resting endoscopy: Examination of the larynx at rest to detect structural changes.
• Dynamic endoscopy: If the horse only makes conspicuous breathing noises under stress, an endoscopy can be carried out during movement on the treadmill or under the rider. This method provides information on how the airways behave at higher respiratory rates and under stress.

Early diagnosis is crucial to determine the severity of laryngeal whistling and to initiate appropriate treatment.

How Do You Treat Laryngeal Paralysis in Horses?

An improvement in breathing quality is usually only possible with laryngeal whistling through surgical intervention. Depending on the severity of the disease, various surgical methods are available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laryngeal Whistling in Horses

What is laryngeal whistling in horses?

‍Laryngealwhistling is a disease of the larynx caused by partial paralysis of the laryngeal muscles or the laryngeal nerve. As a result, the larynx can no longer open fully, which leads to a narrowing of the airways.

How do you recognize laryngeal whistling in horses?

‍Atypical sign is a whistling sound when breathing in, which is particularly audible under stress. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, poor performance, reluctance to exercise and, in severe cases, shortness of breath.

How dangerous is laryngeal whistling in horses?

‍Inmild cases, the disease has little or no effect on the horse. In more severe forms, it can lead to massive breathing problems and loss of performance. In extreme cases, the larynx can collapse to such an extent that the horse can no longer get enough air.

Can you ride a horse with a guttural whistle?

‍Thisdepends on the severity of the disease:

• With mild laryngeal whistling (grade 1-2), riding is usually possible without any problems.
• Intermediate degrees (grade 3-4) can lead to weight-bearing restrictions, especially in higher gaits such as canter.
• Severe cases (grade 5) should no longer be used for sport, as the horse could suffer from respiratory distress and the risk of suffocation.

How is laryngeal whistling diagnosed?

‍Aveterinarian performs a clinical examination and listens to the breath sounds. For an accurate diagnosis, an endoscopy of the larynx is performed to determine the paralysis and the degree of the disease.

How much does a horse laryngectomy cost?

‍Thecosts vary depending on the clinic and surgical method. On average, prices are between 2,500 and 5,500 euros.

• Laryngoplasty ("tie-back") → approx. 3,000 - 4,500 euros
• Ventriculocordectomy → approx. 2,000 - 3,500 euros
• Nerve transplant → approx. 4,000 - 5,500 euros

Is laryngeal whistling hereditary in horses?

‍Thereare indications that laryngeal whistling could have a genetic component, especially in thoroughbreds. However, clear scientific confirmation is still pending.

Can laryngeal whistling in horses be treated with acupuncture?

‍Acupuncturecan be used as a supportive therapy for mild cases of laryngeal whistling, but is not a substitute for medical treatment or surgery.

Should you buy a horse with guttural pipes?

‍Thisdepends on the severity of the disease and the planned use of the horse.

• Light forms (grade 1-2) are often not a problem for the leisure sector.
• Medium grades (grade 3-4) should be checked by a vet before purchase.
• Severe cases (grade 5) are not suitable for riding and may require surgery.

Can laryngeal whistling be prevented?

No, laryngeal whistling cannot be prevented, as scientists disagree on the exact causes. Therefore, there are no avoidable clues to prevent laryngeal whistling. However, it is suspected that genetics could be involved in the sound. Every rider can also pay attention to an appropriate riding style and natural contact to prevent physical damage to the larynx through squeezing or displacement of the palate.

Good to know: Performance diagnostics make it possible to assess and optimize the fitness level of a horse, regardless of whether it is a leisure partner or an athlete. These diagnostics make it possible to identify existing performance deficits and develop a customized training plan to improve the horse's performance. This is particularly important for horses with conditions such as asthma, headshaking, osteoarthritis, laryngeal whistling or heart problems, as a stress test helps to determine when exercise becomes problematic. You can find out how you can optimize your training thanks to performance diagnostics in the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy in the following video:

‍What Does Laryngeal Whistling Sound like in Horses?

Laryngeal paralysis causes unnatural breathing noises that can sound like whistling, snoring, growling, grunting, roaring or rattling. The type of sound says something about the origin of the sound in the horse. Laryngeal whistling is the generally known term, but it is not always a paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve:

A deep, short rattle is more likely to be due to laryngeal paralysis, while a high, shrill whistle when inhaling is caused by a blockage in the throat. A low-pitched growl can be caused by an injury to the nose and if the horse grunts when breathing, the palate may have been injured.

How Much Does a Sound Operation on a Horse Cost?

It is not possible to give a general price range for a laryngectomy, as the costs vary between clinics and federal states. The chosen surgical technique also plays a role in the pricing. However, you should expect to pay several thousand euros for a sounding operation on a horse.

Is Laryngeal Whistling Bad for Horses?

Laryngeal whistling in horses should always be treated by a vet. Even mild symptoms can worsen over time and literally take the horse's breath away. Horses are flight animals whose airways are designed in such a way that they can only breathe easily when they are fully functional. Horses only breathe in and out through their nose. If the upper respiratory tract is damaged or restricted, the horse cannot open its mouth to get the oxygen it needs. In the worst (untreated) case, laryngeal paralysis ends with the horse suffocating.

Can Laryngeal Whistling Get Worse?

In fact, the symptoms of laryngeal whistling in horses can worsen over time. This is because laryngeal paralysis is a progressive disease in which even young horses can show the first symptoms. If a horse has a laryngeal disorder of the lower grades, this can also worsen over time. Furthermore, a dysfunctional larynx can lead to other respiratory diseases such as coughing or swallowing disorders. For this reason, a vet should be consulted at the slightest suspicion of sound in the horse and a diagnosis should be made with an endoscopy of the larynx.