Performance after partial arytenoidectomy without mucosal closure in 27 Thoroughbred racehorses.

The research explores the potential impact of partial arytenoidectomy surgery, performed without mucosal closure, on the racing performance and postoperative complications of Thoroughbred horses. The study concluded that these horses had a fair prognosis for successful racing post-surgery while also suggesting that this surgical technique could serve as a practical alternative to primary mucosal closure.

Methodology

• The study retrospectively examined the medical records of 27 Thoroughbred racehorses that underwent partial arytenoidectomy without mucosal closure between 1992 and 2002.
• The horses were categorized into two groups: those that did not compete in races (Group 1) and those that participated in races (Group 2) prior to the surgery.
• To evaluate the horses’ postoperative performance, the research employed objective measures such as the standard starts index (SSI) for Group 1, and performance index (PI) for Group 2.
• Subjectivity was introduced into the research via telephone interviews with the horse owners and trainers, offering a subjective performance evaluation and a means to determine any long-term complications post-surgery.

Results

• Of Group 1 horses, 61% (11 horses) were able to race and earn post-surgery. However, the level they performed at was lower than the national average.
• In Group 2, 78% (7 horses) raced and earned following surgery. But only one horse showed an improved PI score postoperatively.

Conclusions

• The overall prognosis for Thoroughbred racehorses to race successfully after partial arytenoidectomy without mucosal closure was rated as fair.
• The study suggested this surgical technique could be a more practical alternative to primary mucosal closure. As it is faster and could bypass some common issues associated with primary mucosal closure, it could potentially prove more beneficial for the horses’ performance and recoverability.