Epiglottic augmentation for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in racehorses: 59 cases (1985-1994).

This study investigates the efficacy of epiglottic augmentation, along with other surgical techniques, in treating racehorses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate, which is known to negatively impact their racing performance. The findings suggest an improvement in the racing performance in a noteworthy proportion of the horses after the surgery.

Methods and Sample Selection

• The study was retrospective in nature and spanned nearly a decade, from 1985 to 1994.
• The sample consisted of 59 racehorses, of which 40 were Thoroughbreds and 19 were Standardbreds.
• The researchers applied a protocol which involved injecting a paste of polytetrafluoroethylene submucosally on the lingual surface of the epiglottis of each horse.
• In addition to this, most horses also underwent a sternothyrohyoideus myectomy or sternothyroideus tenectomy and staphylectomy.

Results

• Post-surgery racing performance improved for 73% (29 out of 40) of the Thoroughbreds and for 53% (10 out of 19) of the Standardbreds.
• Almost half, or 49% of the horses, won one or more race after undergoing the surgery.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that epiglottic augmentation when performed along with other surgical methods, can actually improve the racing performance of horses.
• The surgical intervention appears to be successful in a notable proportion of horses, especially in treating poor racing performance that can be attributed to the dorsal displacement of the soft palate.

This promising conclusion suggests this surgical treatment may be worth considering for horses that struggle with similar issues. Further research and trials, especially prospective ones, may provide more evidence and build a stronger case for wider adoption of this procedure in the horse-racing industry.