The Dec. 5 open forum discussion of pre-purchase exams at sales covered several topics critical to consignors, buyers, and veterinarians at the 50th anniversary meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners in Denver, Colo. A task force headed by Dr. Criag VanBalen has created a video of endoscopic exams of throats showing what has been agreed upon as grades 1-4 relating to arytenoid function. When one (usually the left) or both of these arytenoids don’t abduct out of the airway, they can block airflow and restrict a horse’s racing ability.

However, there is controversy surrounding how to consistently judge airway function. “What is a 2a versus a 2b?” asked program co-chair Dr. Scott Pierce by way of explaining what the video would show