Career racing performance in Thoroughbreds treated with prosthetic laryngoplasty for laryngeal neuropathy: 52 cases (1981-1989).

This research paper investigates the impacts of prosthetic laryngoplasty on the racing performance of Thoroughbred horses suffering from laryngeal neuropathy, by comparing their performance before and after the said surgery.

Study Context and Methodology

• The study was conducted retrospectively, involving 52 Thoroughbred racehorses that were treated with prosthetic laryngoplasty for laryngeal neuropathy.
• The horses involved in the study had been classified either as inexperienced or experienced racehorses.
• To gauge the effect of the surgery on the racehorses’ performance, lifetime race records of the involved horses were analyzed using a verified regression model.
• In addition to the lifetime race records, individual race records and hospital records were also reviewed as part of the study to ensure comprehensive data analysis.

Results

• Data from the analysis revealed several insights into the performance of Thoroughbred racehorses before and after receiving prosthetic laryngoplasty:
• Experienced horses displayed a decline in racing performance — ranging from performance index, earnings percentage, to mean prediction error — in the six-month period leading up to the surgery.
• While a majority of the experienced horses showed improved performance following the surgery, they did not return to previous baseline values in terms of performance index and earnings percentage. However, their racing speed was successfully restored to baseline values post-surgery.
• The researchers also identified factors that impeded the full restoration of baseline performance levels, including other racing-related injuries and disorders, surgical complications, and the age of the horses.
• Despite the observed decline in performance, many horses individually had long and successful careers post-surgery.
• Notably, inexperienced horses performed as well as, if not better than, experienced horses after undergoing the surgery.

Conclusions

• The study cautions that while prosthetic laryngoplasty can improve the performance of race horses with laryngeal neuropathy, it does not guarantee a complete restoration of their previous racing performance, especially in older horses.
• It suggests that in advising clients about the consequences of prosthetic laryngoplasty, it may be advisable to give a measured forecast on the full restoration of racing performance in older horses, particularly unless they are exceptionally talented and free from other racing-related issues.