The hypotheses of this investigation: Horses with persistent DDSP have a different laryngohyoid position compared to those with intermittent DDSP. Horses with persistent DDSP can be returned successfully to racing with a laryngeal tie-forward procedure.
Medical records of 15 racehorses presented for persistent DDSP between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed.
Age, sex and breed matched horses diagnosed with intermittent DDSP were used as a comparison group.
Treatment of all horses was performed by laryngeal tie-forward, 8/15 horses with persistent DDSP had a subsequent laser staphylectomy.
Preoperative laryngohyoid position was compared between the 2 groups using a radiographic reference system.
Surgical effect on position was assessed by comparing pre- and post operative radiographic measurements.
Outcome was assessed by return to racing and comparison of pre- and post operative race earnings ($).
Results: Thirteen of 15 horses with persistent DDSP returned to racing.
Seven of 15 horses were treated with laryngeal tie-forward alone while 8/15 horses were also treated with a laser staphylectomy.
Horses with persistent DDSP had a more caudal larynx (ossification of the thyroid cartilage) (13 mm, P = 0.014), a more caudal (10 mm, P = 0.044) and dorsal (7 mm, P = 0.01) basihyoid bone, and a more dorsal thyrohyoid-thyroid articulation (10 mm, P = 0.002) than horses with intermittent DDSP.
Conclusions and potential relevance: Racehorses with persistent DDSP can be treated successfully by laryngeal tie-forward or by laryngeal tie-forward followed by laser staphylectomy.
Horses with persistent DDSP have a more caudal larynx and more caudal and dorsal basihyoid bone than horses with intermittent DDSP.
Source: K. F. ORTVED, J. CHEETHAM, L. M. MITCHELL and N. G. DUCHARME (2009): Successful treatment of persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate and evaluation of laryngohyoid position in 15 racehorses. In: Equine Veterinary Journal
Volume 42 Issue 1, Pages 23 - 29
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