SummaryLiterature pertaining to the evaluation of the upper respiratory tract of the horse during exercise was reviewed. Articles were found by searching two databases. Videoendoscopy, upper airway pressure measurement and airflow measurements are used for assessing upper airway function. Treadmill accomodation and exercise protocols, examination protocols, the endoscopy technique, indications for the examination during exercise and normal and abnormal functions of the upper ainrvays are described in part I of this review. The most frequently observed dysfunctions are dorsal displacement of the soft palate with an incidence of 21 lo 52 o/o and laryngeal hemiplegia with an incidence of 9 to 25 o/o o'f all upper airway obstructions. Videoendoscopy during treadmill exercise as a subjective technique can already accomplish a good evaluation of the upper airuvay function. But a final assessment of the presence of a respiratory limitation can only be made by the quantitative determination of upper airway flow mechanics (airway pressure and flow-volume measurement) which are presented in part ll of this review. keywords:horse, endoscopy, upper airway, treadmill, exerciseBeurteilung der oberen Luftwege des Pferdes während der Belastung auf einem Laufband -Eine Literaturstudie

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