Unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy results in increased arytenoid stability in horses with severe left sided recurrent laryngeal neuropathy.
Abstract: There is no objective information reporting the effect of unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy (VeC) on arytenoid abduction or stability. Objective: To evaluate arytenoid stability and abduction in horses with severe recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) before and after unilateral laser VeC. Methods: Prospective cohort. Methods: Eight horses with grade C or D exercising laryngeal function that underwent unilateral laser VeC were included. Exercising endoscopy was performed before and ≥6 weeks after left-sided laser VeC. Arytenoid stability at maximal exercise was calculated by measuring the left-to-right quotient angle ratio (LRQ) of the corniculate processes at the points of maximal arytenoid abduction (expiration) and maximal arytenoid collapse (inspiration). For each horse, means of measurements obtained for four breaths pre- and post-operatively were used for statistical analysis. Results: The difference in LRQ between inspiration and expiration was lower post-operatively (median 0.039; interquartile range [IQR] 0.032-0.047) compared with pre-operatively (median 0.158; IQR 0.083-0.249; p = 0.01) confirming the left arytenoid was more stable following unilateral laser VeC. The degree of improvement was significantly greater for grade D horses compared with grade C horses (p = 0.04). The LRQ measured on maximal abduction was also lower post-operatively (median 0.467; IQR 0.444-0.506) compared with pre-operatively (median 0.578; IQR 0.554-0.655; p = 0.02) indicating the left arytenoid was less abducted following surgery. Conclusions: The sample size was small, no racehorses were included and post-operative assessment was conducted at a variable time after surgery. Conclusions: Unilateral laser VeC in grade C and D RLN-affected horses results in slightly reduced left arytenoid abduction but increased arytenoid stability.
© 2024 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2024-05-01 PubMed ID: 38689566DOI: 10.1111/evj.14101Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research investigates the impact of a medical procedure known as unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy (VeC) on horses with severe recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). The study found out that the procedure results in a minor decrease in left arytenoid abduction but notably increases the stability of the arytenoid.
Explanation of the Research
The research is a prospective cohort study involving eight horses which had Grade C or D exercising laryngeal function linked to RLN. These horses were all treated using unilateral laser VeC.
- The investigation involved measuring, before and after the aforementioned treatment, the stability and abduction (movement away from the center) of the arytenoids. Arytenoid cartilages play a vital role in opening and closing the vocal cords and larynx.
- To measure arytenoid stability at peak exercise, the left-to-right quotient angle ratio (LRQ) of the corniculate processes was calculated. This was done at the points of both maximal arytenoid abduction and maximal arytenoid collapse.
- The statistics were then analyzed, using an average of measurements taken for four breaths, both before and after the ventriculocordectomy.
Results of the Study
The findings showed that the surgery, unilateral laser VeC, resulted in a greater stability of the left arytenoid, with a smaller difference in LRQ between inspiration and expiration post-operation compared to pre-operation.
- The study showed improvements in arytenoid stability for all the horses, but those with Grade D issues experienced the most significant improvements.
- The results also found that the left arytenoid was less abducted (moved less from the centre) following the operation.
Limitations and Conclusions
The study did have some limitations, including a small sample size and the absence of racehorses. Additionally, the assessment after surgery was carried out at different times for different subjects.
Regardless of the limitations, it was concluded that unilateral laser VeC led to enhanced arytenoid stability, albeit with a slight reduction in left arytenoid abduction, in horses affected by Grade C and D RLN.
Cite This Article
APA
Baldwin CM, Ireland JL, Barakzai SZ.
(2024).
Unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy results in increased arytenoid stability in horses with severe left sided recurrent laryngeal neuropathy.
Equine Vet J.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14101 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK.
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK.
- Equine Surgical Referrals, Brighton, Sussex, UK.
Grant Funding
- SPrj 014 / Horserace Betting Levy Board
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