Clinical experiences with axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds in 52 racehorses.

This research observes the clinical findings and outcome of 52 racehorses diagnosed with axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (ADAF), a condition affecting the horse’s airway, and compares the effectiveness of either rest or surgical intervention involving transendoscopic laser excision. The results reveal that surgical correction is typically successful and patients reported greater satisfaction with this outcome, yet this study also suggests the condition can resolve without surgical intervention.

Methods

• The study involved a review of medical records and video assessments of both resting and active racehorses diagnosed with ADAF, focusing specifically on those evaluated for underperformance.
• The study used retrospective data; the team looking back at past performances, medical history, and the outcome of previous rest or surgical treatments to inform their findings.
• A year after these horses had been diagnosed and treated, the researchers compared outcomes based on racing records and interviews conducted with owners or trainers, specifically focusing on 33 horses with ADAF that didn’t have any other upper airway abnormalities.

Results

• ADAF was found in 6% of horses evaluated for poor performance. There were no discernible patterns relating to breed or gender, but younger horses showed a higher likelihood of having ADAF.
• Of the 52 horses with ADAF, 19 were noted to have at least one other upper airway condition.
• Surgical correction was performed successfully in horses, regardless of whether they were standing or anesthetized, with no complications encountered.
• When ADAF was the only upper-airway obstruction present, surgical intervention led to improved performance in 75% of horses, compared to 50% of those allowed to rest.
• The study notes higher levels of satisfaction among owners and trainers of horses that underwent surgery.

Conclusion

• The authors recommend surgical management of ADAF based on the results, but highlight that not all horses require this intervention as the condition can resolve naturally.
• The diagnosis of ADAF requires videoendoscopic evaluation during high-speed exercise to be accurately made, indicating its relation with active performance.
• Transendoscopic laser excision, the surgical procedure used in the study, provides a safe and effective resolution to airway obstruction and allows a quicker return to training.