Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bilateral hypoplasia of the soft palate in a foal.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1991
- Authors:
- Riley, C B et al.
- Affiliation:
- School of Veterinary Studies · Australia
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A Standardbred foal was found to have a condition called bilateral hypoplasia of the soft palate, which means the soft palate was underdeveloped on both sides. The filly showed signs of poor growth, trouble breathing, coughing, and a runny nose. A closer examination revealed that her soft palate was shorter than normal and had a mass that was blocking her throat, which led to infection in her lungs from inhaling food or liquid. Despite testing that showed she had a serious infection, the foal's condition did not improve, and she was ultimately euthanized. A post-mortem examination confirmed the soft palate issue and the lung infection, but no other birth defects were found.
Abstract
Bilateral hypoplasia of the soft palate and aspiration pneumonia occurred in a Standardbred foal. The filly was presented with a history of illthrift, dyspnoea, coughing and bilateral nasal discharge. Abnormal sounds (crackels and wheezes) were auscultated over all lung fields and the cervical trachea. Endoscopy revealed a shortened soft palate with a uvula-like mass protruding from the free border into the nasopharynx. Mucopurulent material was present in the trachea. Samples obtained by tracheal wash were submitted for cytology, culture and sensitivity testing. Results indicated a septic inflammatory process. On lateral radiographs of the thorax there were patchy areas of consolidation and air bronchograms. The foal was euthanased. Necropsy confirmed the presence of a palatal defect and aspiration pneumonia of moderate severity. No other congenital abnormalities were present.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1883297/