The use of a tongue tie alters laryngohyoid position in the standing horse.
Abstract: The use of tongue ties in racing is common, yet there are few data to support their efficacy. In order to make appropriate recommendations for clinical practice and policy on tongue ties, data documenting their effect on upper airway structure are necessary. Objective: To determine the effect of a tongue tie on the resting laryngohyoid position of the standing horse. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Twelve normal Standardbred horses were subjected to ultrasonographic measures of laryngohyoid position during 3 phases of tack application: Phase I--halter and lead; Phase II--bit, bridle, harness and check applied; and Phase III--as in Phase II but with the tongue tie added. Results: Compared to Phase I, during Phase III with the application of a tongue tie a significant difference between lingual process position was noted both rostrally and caudally (P<0.001 and P<0.001), such that the tongue tie resulted in an increase in lingual process depth. The tongue tie in Phase III resulted in a decrease in depth of the thyroid cartilage and basihyoid bone compared to the Phase I location (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0047). Conclusions: The use of a tongue tie has a significant effect on the basihyoid and thyroid cartilage positions in the standing horse. Conclusions: This is the first report documenting a difference in laryngohyoid morphology following the application of a tongue tie, providing evidence that the use of a tongue tie has a measurable effect on upper airway structure. The functional implications of this finding are yet to be elucidated.
© 2013 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2013-03-12 PubMed ID: 24117933DOI: 10.1111/evj.12056Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research investigated how using a tongue tie, a common tool in horse racing, influences the position of the upper airway structure in standing horses. It found that tongue ties significantly affect the positions of the basihyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage.
Objective
The primary objective of the research study was to determine how a tongue tie influences the resting position of the laryngohyoid, an area in a horse’s upper airway structure, while the horse is standing.
Methods
- The methodical procedure of the study involved the use of twelve healthy Standardbred horses.
- The study was divided into three phases – Phase I: halter and lead only; Phase II: harness applied with bit, bridle, and check; and Phase III: identical to Phase II, except with the additional application of a tongue tie.
- During these three phases, ultrasonographic measurements were taken to study the laryngohyoid positions.
Results
- Comparison of the phases showed that in Phase III (where the tongue tie was used), there was a noticeable change in lingual process position, an element of the laryngohyoid. This position was measured in two directions – rostrally (toward the nose) and caudally (toward the tail).
- The application of a tongue tie resulted in an increase in the depth of the lingual process.
- On the other hand, the Phase III use of a tongue tie reduced the depth of the thyroid cartilage and the basihyoid bone compared to their Phase I locations.
Conclusions
- The tongue tie application was found to have a significant effect on the positions of the basihyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage in standing horses.
- This study is unique as it gives the first recorded instance of a change in laryngohyoid morphology due to the application of a tongue tie, indicating that the use of a tongue tie has quantifiable impacts on upper airway structure.
- The study concludes with the caveat that the functional implications of these findings still need to be explained more clearly.
Cite This Article
APA
Chalmers HJ, Farberman A, Bermingham A, Sears W, Viel L.
(2013).
The use of a tongue tie alters laryngohyoid position in the standing horse.
Equine Vet J, 45(6), 711-714.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12056 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horses
- Hyoid Bone / anatomy & histology
- Larynx / anatomy & histology
- Male
- Tongue
Citations
This article has been cited 3 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.
- Seck M, Jobling R, Brown AF. Trialling Locally Made, Low-Cost Bits to Improve Bit-Related Welfare Problems in Cart Horses: Findings from a Study in Senegal. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 20;13(1).
- 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).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
