Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy: Elevate Your Horse's Performance
At Grossenbacher Equine Services, we’re proud to offer Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy (DRS)—the gold standard for diagnosing upper respiratory issues in horses during exercise. Unlike traditional endoscopy, which only examines the airway while your horse is standing still, DRS allows us to observe your horse’s airway in real time as it performs in its regular training routine. We work in partnership with your regular veterinarian to provide continuity of care that supports your horse’s respiratory health, performance, and overall success. Whether you’re managing high-performance racehorses or dedicated riding partners, DRS technology provides real-time insights into respiratory health during exercise. This means more accurate diagnoses, faster solutions, and healthier, happier horses, both on the track and in the arena.
When Is DRS Recommended?
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Abnormal breathing noises during exercise
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Poor performance or exercise intolerance
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Breathing irregularities that occur only under certain conditions
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Suspected upper airway disorders that don’t show up in a resting exam
What Happens During the Procedure?
During a dynamic respiratory endoscopy exam, a small diameter endoscope is placed in the horse’s nostril and secured with a specialized noseband over the bridle. Transmitting and recording equipment are mounted on a custom saddle pad. As the horse exercises, we capture clear, continuous video of its upper airway structures—such as the larynx, pharynx, and soft palate—which helps us identify any dysfunction that could impact performance. This safe, minimally invasive procedure allows for real-time and slow-motion review, and images can be shared with trainers, owners, or referring veterinarians, providing invaluable insights to guide treatment and management.
What Conditions Do We Detect?
Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy is suitable for horses of any breed, age, or discipline, and is especially helpful when resting exams don’t reveal the source of a performance issue. Some respiratory conditions only become apparent during exercise, so DRS allows us to observe how the airway functions while the horse is actively working. Common conditions we can identify include:
Axial Deviation of the Aryepiglottic Fold
Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy ("Roaring")
Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP)
Normal Airway Anatomy
Epiglottic Retroversion
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH)
Epiglottic Entrapment
How do Insights Become Outcomes?
By accurately diagnosing the problem, veterinarians can develop a tailored treatment plan—whether that includes medical therapy, referral for surgical correction, or adjustments to training and management. Dynamic respiratory endoscopy is not only a diagnostic tool but also a way to monitor the effectiveness of those treatments over time. Restoring proper airflow during exercise can lead to noticeable improvements in stamina, recovery, and overall athletic ability. DRS is especially beneficial for sport and racehorses, where peak respiratory function is essential for success.
Ready to Breathe Easy?
A healthy respiratory system is key to your horse’s success, whether on the track, in the show ring, or out on the trail. Contact Grossenbacher Equine Services today to learn more about Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy and how we can help your horse reach its full potential.
Have your veterinarian contact us to schedule your consultation.
Grossenbacher Equine Services
Bringing Advanced Diagnostics to Your Stable
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Thank you to Paul Elton Photography and MED Equus for contributing some of the images featured.