icon
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.

Your vet may diagnose

Dorsal Pharyngeal Lymphoid Hyperplasia, DPLH

Synonyms: Follicular Pharyngitis

Summary

This is a poorly understood increase in size of the small lymph nodes in the upper airway, in the back of the throat. This is seen in young horses as an incidental finding (not the cause of the problem). It appears as a cobblestone appearance to the back of the throat on an endoscopic exam. We know it occurs in certain upper respiratory infections but, in many cases, it is just a sign of the maturing immune system.

If the condition becomes extreme, it can result in respiratory noise and poor performance but in those cases, there is usually an underlying condition causing the lymph node increase.

my vet's role

PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS

The prognosis is generally good.

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP