The use of race winnings, ratings and a performance index to assess the effect of thermocautery of the soft palate for treatment of horses with suspected intermittent dorsal displacement. A case-control study in 110 racing Thoroughbreds.

The study examines the use of a procedure called thermocautery of the soft palate in treating racehorses with a condition called intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. The study investigates the procedure’s effect on race performance, finding no significant benefits.

Objective of the Research

• The principal aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a medical procedure, thermocautery of the soft palate (TSP), which is used as a treatment for a condition in racehorses known as intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). This condition affects the horse’s speed and stamina.
• The performance of those horses that underwent the procedure was compared with that of a control group. Three performance measures were used for this comparison: the Racing Post Ratings (RPR), the prize money won (RE), and a Performance Index (PI).

Methods and Methodology Used

• The study included 110 racing Thoroughbreds that met specific inclusion criteria, and each participating horse was matched with two control horses (ones that didn’t undergo TSP).
• Performance changes after the procedure were analyzed and compared statistically. The 3 performance measures (RPR, RE, and PI) were examined using a regression model.

Findings and Results of the Research

• The research showed that between 28% and 51% of horses showed improved performance after undergoing TSP, compared to an increase for 21% to 53% of the control horses. The procedure, therefore, displayed no significant influence on RPR or RE.
• However, the study showed a significant impact of the procedure on the PI, with notably more treated horses showing an improvement in their PI than the matched controls.
• Importantly, the study revealed a significant correlation between the three measures of performance.

Conclusion from the Research

• The study concludes that thermocautery of the soft palate, when used alone, is possibly not the most effective treatment for DDSP. This suggests that additional or alternative treatment methods might be beneficial.
• The study also indicates that developing a reliable measure of racehorse performance might be achievable, given the significant correlation between the three measures used in this research. This could help in future studies related to racehorse performance.