Alar fold resection in 25 horses: Clinical findings and effect on racing performance and airway mechanics (1998-2013).

This research study investigates the impact of surgically treating the collapse of a part of the nasal passage (alar fold collapse) in horses, primarily as a response to poor performance and abnormal respiratory noise. The researchers assess the effectiveness of the surgery via performance records, interviews, and a measure of nasal pressure.

Clinical Findings and Methodology

• The research involved a retrospective case series, encompassing a combination of standardbred, thoroughbred, and coldblooded trotter racehorses, and Icelandic horses.
• The diagnosis of alar fold collapse was made based on specific clinical signs. Typically, these signs included irregular sounds during expiration and a noticeable filling of the false nostrils during exercise.
• A surgical technique, involving temporary suturing of the alar folds, was implemented to diagnose and treat the respiratory issue.
• In a subset of cases, the researchers also took measurements of the air pressure in the nasopharynx, a part of the horse’s airway.

Effects of Alar Fold Resection

• The results were evaluated partly through evaluating the horses’ subsequent performance records. The researchers also took into account feedback received through interviews with the horses’ owners or trainers after the procedure.
• The effects of alar fold collapse prior to surgical intervention included poor performance due to elevated expiratory nasopharyngeal pressures.
• Additional concurrent respiratory disorders were also identified in some of the standardbreds. These included a periodic dorsally displaced soft palate and nasopharyngeal collapse.
• The surgical procedure decreased the elevated expiratory nasopharyngeal pressures down to normal levels and was found to be effective against alar fold collapse.

Performance and Rehabilitation

• Within a follow-up period of about 68 months following surgery, 20 out of 25 participating horses had returned to competition.
• The majority of harness racehorses reviewed displayed either maintained or even improved racing times post-operatively.
• The study concluded that alar fold collapse caused a range of airflow obstruction from mild to moderate, and may have contributed to additional nasopharyngeal collapse in the cases studied.
• Lastly, the measurement of nasopharyngeal pressure was suggested as a potential tool for diagnosing alar fold collapse.