Characteristics of palatal instability in Thoroughbred racehorses and their association with the development of dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
Abstract: Two forms of dynamic upper respiratory tract obstruction affecting racehorses that involve the soft palate have been described: palatal instability (PI) and dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Observation of DDSP is straightforward in that it is an all or nothing event, whereas observation of PI is subjective and interpretation may vary between clinicians. Objective: The aim of this study was to attempt to characterise PI and to investigate endoscopic features that precede DDSP. Methods: A retrospective study on the endoscopic observations of Thoroughbred racehorses referred for high-speed treadmill endoscopy was performed. Endoscopic observations were reviewed during the last 10 s of the exercise test or the last 10 s prior to DDSP. The degree of axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (ADAF), the conformation of the epiglottis, the conformation of the soft palate and the amount of obstruction of the rima glottidis by the soft palate (i.e. soft palate stability) were assessed. Results: A total of 72 horses were included in this study, of which 7 showed no evidence of PI. Of the 65 horses with PI, 30 (46%) developed DDSP. There were significant associations between the stability of the soft palate, epiglottic conformation and ADAF. Furthermore, development of DDSP was associated with increased severity of PI and ADAF and with changes in epiglottic conformation. Conclusions: This study has characterised the endoscopic features associated with PI and identified certain characteristics that precede DDSP. Conclusions: These observations may assist veterinary surgeons in recognising PI and the prodromal signs of DDSP.
© 2012 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2013-01-07 PubMed ID: 23294046DOI: 10.1111/evj.12004Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Diagnosis
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Endoscopy
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Exercise Test
- Horses
- Larynx
- Observational Study
- Pharynx
- Respiratory Health
- Retrospective Study
- Thoroughbreds
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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This study investigates characteristics of palatal instability in Thoroughbred racehorses and their association with the development of dorsal displacement of the soft palate, with the aim of aiding veterinary surgeons in accurately recognizing these conditions.
Study Overview
- The research is a retrospective study that focusses on the observations of endoscopic examinations of Thoroughbred racehorses. The subjects were referred for high-speed treadmill endoscopy, a diagnostic procedure used to detect and examine disorders of the equine respiratory system.
- The study aims to identify and characterize Palatal Instability (PI), a type of dynamic upper respiratory tract obstruction affecting racehorses, and its correlation with Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP).
Methodology
- The research utilizes endoscopic observations that were reviewed during the last 10 seconds of an exercise test or the final 10 seconds prior to the occurrence of DDSP.
- The researchers carefully evaluated the axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (ADAF), the shape of the epiglottis, the configuration of the soft palate and the obstruction level of the rima glottidis by the soft palate (soft palate stability).
Study Findings
- Out of 72 horses included in the study, seven showed no signs of palatal instability. However, 65 horses exhibited PI and within this group, 30 (approximately 46%) developed DDSP.
- The results revealed significant connections between the stability of the soft palate, epiglottic conformation and ADAF.
- It also noted an association between the development of DDSP, increased severity of PI and ADAF, and changes in the configuration of the epiglottis.
Conclusion
- The research has successfully delineated the endoscopic features associated with PI and identified specific features that precede the development of DDSP. This understanding aids in the early detection and treatment of these conditions in racehorses.
- The findings, while specific to thoroughbred racehorses, might be applicable more broadly in the veterinary field and can assist surgeons in identifying signs of palatal instability and potential onset of DDSP.
Cite This Article
APA
Allen K, Franklin S.
(2013).
Characteristics of palatal instability in Thoroughbred racehorses and their association with the development of dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
Equine Vet J, 45(4), 454-459.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12004 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Langford House Equine Hospital, University of Bristol, UK. kate.allen@bristol.ac.uk
MeSH Terms
- Airway Obstruction / pathology
- Airway Obstruction / veterinary
- Animals
- Female
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Male
- Observer Variation
- Palate, Soft / pathology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Kozłowska N, Wierzbicka M, Pawliński B, Domino M. Co-Occurrence of Severe Equine Asthma and Palatal Disorders in Privately Owned Pleasure Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 12;13(12).
- Lo Feudo CM, Stancari G, Collavo F, Stucchi L, Conturba B, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Upper and Lower Airways Evaluation and Its Relationship with Dynamic Upper Airway Obstruction in Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jun 17;12(12).
- Cercone M, Olsen E, Perkins JD, Cheetham J, Mitchell LM, Ducharme NG. Investigation into pathophysiology of naturally occurring palatal instability and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) in racehorses: Thyro-hyoid muscles fatigue during exercise. PLoS One 2019;14(10):e0224524.
- Mellor DJ, Beausoleil NJ. Equine Welfare during Exercise: An Evaluation of Breathing, Breathlessness and Bridles. Animals (Basel) 2017 May 26;7(6).
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