Racing performance following the laryngeal tie-forward procedure: a case-controlled study.
Abstract: The laryngeal tie-forward procedure (LTFP) is becoming widely used for correction of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) despite the absence of an evidence-based assessment of its efficacy. Objective: The LTFP returns racing performance to preoperative baseline levels and to that of matched controls; and post operative laryngohyoid position is associated with post operative performance. Methods: Case-controlled study of racehorses undergoing a LTFP for dorsal displacement of the soft palate at Cornell University between October 2002 and June 2007. Methods: The presence of at least one post operative start and race earnings ($) were used as outcome variables. Controls were matched by age, breed and sex from the third race prior to surgery. A novel radiographic reference system was used to determine laryngohyoid position pre- and post operatively. Data for definitively and presumptively diagnosed cases were analysed separately. Results: During the study interval, 263 racehorses presented, of which 106 were included in the study; 36 had a definitive diagnosis of DDSP and 70 a presumptive diagnosis. Treated horses were equally likely to race post operatively as controls in the equivalent race. Treated horses had significantly lower earnings in the race before surgery than matched controls. The procedure moved the basihyoid bone dorsally and caudally and the larynx dorsally and rostrally. A more dorsal post operative basihyoid position and more dorsal and less rostral laryngeal position were associated with an increased probability of racing post operatively. Conclusions: Horses undergoing a LTFP are as likely to race post operatively as matched controls. The procedure restores race earnings to preoperative baseline levels and to those of matched controls. Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of the LTFP in racehorses. Further work is needed to determine the relationship between laryngohyoid conformation and nasopharyngeal stability in horses.
Publication Date: 2008-05-21 PubMed ID: 18490235DOI: 10.2746/042516408X313616Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Anatomy
- Athletic Performance
- Case Reports
- Clinical Study
- Comparative Study
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Treatment
- Equine Health
- Horse Racing
- Laryngeal Dysfunction
- Laryngoplasty
- Performance Horses
- Post-Operative Period
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Thoroughbreds
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Procedure
Summary
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This research is about a veterinary surgical procedure known as the laryngeal tie-forward procedure (LTFP), used to treat a breathing problem in racehorses known as dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). The study evaluated the procedure’s effectiveness by examining horses’ racing performance following the surgery and comparing it with their pre-surgery performance and that of matched control horses.
Study Method
- The study was a case-controlled examination of racehorses that underwent LTFP for DDSP at Cornell University from October 2002 to June 2007. The success of the procedure was measured using racing performance and earnings data.
- Minimum requirements for inclusion in the study were that the horse had at least one start following the procedure. Control horses, which didn’t undergo the procedure, were matched with treated horses based on age, breed, and sex.
- A unique radiographic reference system was utilized to determine the position of the laryngohyoid (a structure in the throat involved in swallowing and vocalizing) before and after the surgery.
Study Findings
- Out of 263 presenting racehorses during the study period, 106 were included in the study. These included 36 horses definitively diagnosed with DDSP and 70 with a presumptive diagnosis.
- Procedure-treated horses were just as likely to compete post-surgery as control horses in correspondingly timed races. However, treated horses had significantly lower earnings in the race before surgery compared to the matched control horses.
- The surgery moved the horse’s basihyoid bone (a bone in the throat) and larynx and resulted in an association between a more dorsal or rearward position of these structures and an increased likelihood of racing post-procedure.
Study Conclusions
- Racehorses that had undergone a LTFP were equally likely to participate in races post-surgery as control horses. The procedure restored their race earnings to pre-surgery levels and to levels seen in the control group, affirming its efficacy.
- This case-controlled study provides strong evidence supporting the use of the LTFP in racehorses diagnosed with DDSP.
- The research also determined a need for further studies to better understand the relationship between the conformation of the laryngohyoid and the stability of the nasopharynx (part of the horse’s airway) in this context.
Cite This Article
APA
Cheetham J, Pigott JH, Thorson LM, Mohammed HO, Ducharme NG.
(2008).
Racing performance following the laryngeal tie-forward procedure: a case-controlled study.
Equine Vet J, 40(5), 501-507.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408X313616 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Case-Control Studies
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Female
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Larynx / abnormalities
- Larynx / diagnostic imaging
- Larynx / surgery
- Male
- Palate, Soft / abnormalities
- Palate, Soft / surgery
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Radiography
- Respiratory System Abnormalities / surgery
- Respiratory System Abnormalities / veterinary
- Sports / economics
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Talbot AM, Shanks-Boon H, Baldwin CM, Barnes H, Maddox TW. Soft palate angle and basihyoid depth increase with tongue size and with body condition score in horses. Equine Vet J 2025 Jul;57(4):967-976.
- Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Stancari G, Conturba B, Bozzola C, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Associations between Medical Disorders and Racing Outcomes in Poorly Performing Standardbred Trotter Racehorses: A Retrospective Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 9;13(16).
- Lean NE, Sole-Guitart A, Ahern BJ. Laryngeal tie-forward in standing sedated horses. Vet Surg 2023 Feb;52(2):229-237.
- Weller D, Franklin S, White P, Shea G, Fenner K, Wilson B, Wilkins C, McGreevy P. The Reported Use of Tongue-Ties and Nosebands in Thoroughbred and Standardbred Horse Racing-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 26;11(3).
- Grzeskowiak RM, Schumacher J, Mulon PY, Steiner RC, Cassone L, Anderson DE. Ex-vivo Mechanical Testing of Novel Laryngeal Clamps Used for Laryngeal Advancement Constructs. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:139.
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