Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy in horses: 17 cases (1984-1985).

The research reviewed medical records of horses suffering from a condition displacing their soft palate and causing an abnormal breathing noise. A surgical procedure called Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy was used as a primary treatment for some of these horses and was found to be successful in nearly 60% of the cases. The dissection of anatomic parts in 30 of these horses helped establish the best site for the surgery.

Study Data and Primary Treatment

• The research explored the medical records of 78 horses that were treated at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals. These horses had a condition known as dorsal displacement of the soft palate, a disorder that affects breathing in horses.
• An intermittent, abnormal “gurgling” respiratory noise during exercise was reported in 94% of these horses, indicating a severe respiratory issue.
• Out of the several approaches to treat this condition, the researchers opted for a surgical technique called Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy as the primary treatment for 17 horses.

Success Rate of the Surgery

• Upon conducting the surgery, the success rate was found to be 58%. Success was likely defined as an improvement of symptoms and elimination of the gurgling noise post-treatment.

Anatomic Dissection Result

• As part of the study and to ensure the best outcomes for the surgery, anatomic dissections were done on 30 horses.
• This exercise revealed that the midcervical region was the optimal location for executing Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy. The midcervical region’s selection implicates this is where the Sternothyrohyoideus muscle group is situated, and its modification facilitates better management or prevention of dorsal displacement of the soft palate.