Diagnosis and treatment of dynamic collapse of the cricotracheal ligament in thoroughbred racehorses.

This study was focused on diagnosing and treating thoroughbred racehorses showing signs of cricotracheal ligament collapse (CTLC), a rare cause of obstruction in their respiratory tract. The horses were carefully observed during exercises and treated accordingly, be it through adaptation to training, inflammation reduction or through surgical procedures.

Study Details

• This research falls into a retrospective case series type, where cases of eight Thoroughbred horses with CTLC were examined. This condition was identified out of a larger population of 600 horses that underwent over ground dynamic endoscopic examinations.
• The majority of the horses with CTLC were young, 2-year-old horses in the early stages of their training, while two were mature horses which were still engaging in regular work.
• Diagnosis of CTLC was confirmed if there was visible circumferential collapse of the cricotracheal ligament during exercises. Repeat endoscopic examinations were carried out on seven of the horses.

Treatment and Outcomes

• Inflammation of the upper airway tract and multiple abnormalities were identified in all the younger horses, and treating this condition proved effective in resolving the CTLC in these cases.
• However, no such concurrent respiratory abnormality was detected in the mature horses. Two horses, which didn’t respond to conservative management heatments, underwent successful surgical procedures. The process involved reducing the cricotracheal space and imbricating the cricotracheal ligament.
• Post-surgery, the clinical signs of CTLC in these horses were found to be resolved. This suggests that in certain cases, particularly where concurrent respiratory issues aren’t present or conservative treatments aren’t effective, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Conclusions

• Overall, the study concluded that CTLC is quite rare in Thoroughbred racehorses but could potentially cause significant obstruction in the respiratory system.
• However, if diagnosed and treated effectively, it can be resolved. The treatments could range from training adaptations, inflammation control for younger horses, to surgical interventions for persistent CTLC or in cases of mature horses where no other concurrent respiratory abnormalities are observed.