IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-IDIOPATHIC HYOID MALFORMATION IN AN 8-YEAR-OLD WELSH SECTION D HORSE.

The research discusses the case of an eight-year-old horse that had been deemed to have an irregular hyoid bone formation. This was discovered when the horse was examined due to a recurring dorsal displacement of its soft palate during exercise. After undertaking surgical treatment, the horse’s initial problems were resolved completely.

Research Details

• The study revolves around an 8-year-old gelding that was evaluated due to intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) at exercise. This condition refers to when the soft part of the roof of a horse’s mouth slides above the epiglottis, an issue that can cause performance problems in horses.
• Upon investigation, radiographs of the standing horse showed an abnormal crossover-style display of the stylohyoid bones, which are bones in the hyoid apparatus within a horse’s neck. Notably, such abnormalities can potentially cause the DDSP condition.

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Further exploration was conducted through computed tomography (CT) scans which confirmed the abnormal positioning of the left stylohyoid bone and it’s unusual connection to both the left thyrohyoid and ceratohyoid bones.
• The resolution of the issue was achieved through surgical treatment, specifically a combined left ceratohyoidectomy and thyrohyoidectomy. Following this, the horse was reported to have fully recovered from its initial symptoms and was able to return to normal activity levels.

Significance and Recommendations

• This case study serves as an important reminder to veterinary surgeons to consider potential hyoid anomalies in horses presenting with soft palate problems. It highlights the importance of obtaining standing laterolateral radiographs prior to any laryngeal or hyoid surgery to prevent surgical failures or subsequent hyoid fractures.
• The successful outcome of this particular case suggests that surgical interventions may be an effective treatment method for similar cases in the future.