Correlation of performance with endoscopic and radiographic assessment of epiglottic hypoplasia in racehorses with epiglottic entrapment corrected by use of contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

This research studied the use of neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser in correcting epiglottic entrapment in racehorses. It found that horses with endoscopically apparent hypoplastic epiglottis had smaller thyroepiglottic length than those with normal epiglottis, with no significant difference observed among age, gender or breed.

Objective of the Research

• The main aim of this research was to examine the use of a neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser in correcting the entrapped epiglottis in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses and to also assess the correlation between surgical outcomes and racing performance.

Methods of the Research

• The researchers conducted the surgical procedures on 35 Thoroughbred horses and 44 Standardbred horses.
• Prior to surgery, the entrapped epiglottis was classified as either hypoplastic (underdeveloped) or normal based on its endoscopic appearance.
• Laryngeal radiographs were used to measure the thyroepiglottic length in the horses.
• After the surgery, the earnings from racing before and after the surgery were compared.
• The team of researchers then tested for any potential associations between post-surgery racing performance and the endoscopically determined hypoplasia.

Results of the Research

• Endoscopy and radiography were found to be useful methods for evaluating the epiglottis in horses with epiglottic entrapment.
• The average thyroepiglottic length for both breeds of horses with entrapped epiglottis was significantly smaller compared to the control group comprising of clinically normal racehorses.
• Horses that had endoscopically apparent hypoplastic epiglottis also had significantly smaller thyroepiglottic length compared to those with endoscopically normal epiglottis.
• No significant difference was found in endoscopic appearance of the epiglottis among age, gender or breed distributions.

Conclusion

• The results of this study indicate that horses with an entrapped epiglottis and clearly visible hypoplastic epiglottis through an endoscopy, do indeed have a smaller thyroepiglottic length compared to horses with a normal epiglottis. Furthermore, the results also suggest that age, gender, or breed does not affect the endoscopic appearance of the epiglottis.