Abstract
To compare racing performance before and after sternothyroideus myotomy, staphylectomy, and oral caudal soft palate photothermoplasty in Thoroughbred racehorses with intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Retrospective study. Thoroughbred racehorses (n=102) with DDSP. Retrieved data included signalment, primary complaint, and upper respiratory tract endoscopic finding. Lifetime race records were compared for earnings per start before and after surgery, days to 1st start, and races won postoperatively. Comparing mean earnings per start for 3 races before (2792 dollars) and after (3806 dollars) surgery, racing performance improved significantly after surgery in 63% (46/73) of horses that competed in at least 1 race before and after surgery (P=.02). Mean and median days to 1st start after surgery were 109 and 69 days, respectively. Of horses that raced postoperatively 65% (60/92) won at least 1 race, and 77% (71/92) raced in >5 races after surgery. Sternothyroideus myotomy, staphylectomy, and oral caudal soft palate photothermoplasty significantly improved racing performance in experienced Thoroughbred racehorses with performance limiting DDSP, and overall had a similar outcome to other reported surgical techniques for treatment of DDSP. Clinical Relevance-Sternothyroideus myotomy, staphylectomy, and oral caudal soft palate photothermoplasty should be considered as a surgical approach to correction of DDSP in Thoroughbred racehorses; however, it is possible that staphylectomy may not be necessary to achieve a desirable outcome.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.