This procedure is routinely used in racing to assess a horse's respiratory system. A fluid is briefly sent into the horse's lung via its trachea and the quality of what comes out provides an indication of how a horse's breathing is coping under stress in training. A scope is used to examine the larynx and infection can also be detected. Vet Tom Campbell demonstrates a trach' wash on one of
Charlie Longsdon's young racehorses.
Fiona Price interviews Tom about this technique which could also be of interest to eventers and other equestrians.