What should you do if you find a horse with red lesions on its tongue and it is dysphagic?

If a horse presents with red lesions on its tongue and is experiencing dysphagia, taking cytology of the lesion is a critical step. Cytological examination allows for the assessment of the cellular characteristics of the lesions, which can help determine the underlying cause. Conditions such as viral infections, chemical irritation, or other inflammatory processes could be responsible for the clinical signs.

Identifying the specific nature of the lesions is essential for guiding appropriate treatment. By performing cytology, you can gather vital information regarding potential pathogens (like viruses or bacteria) or other causes of inflammation, thus facilitating targeted therapy.

While assessing the horse's teeth could be important in some cases of dysphagia, particularly if dental problems were suspected to be the cause, it does not directly address the primary issue of the lesions observed on the tongue. The presence of red lesions strongly suggests that inflammation or infection in the oral cavity is a primary concern that needs immediate attention. Moreover, administering anti-inflammatory medications could be supportive but would not provide the specific insights needed to formulate an effective treatment plan without understanding the underlying cause. Supportive care is helpful but does not replace the need for diagnostic evaluation through cytology in this scenario.