Update on diseases and treatment of the pharynx.

This research article offers an updated review on the diseases and treatment of the pharynx, particularly focusing on dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and nasopharyngeal cicatrix, and how they affect performance horses.

Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP)

• DDSP is an abnormal condition of the soft palate in horses characterized by palatal instability, which is often observed during exercise, leading to exercise intolerance and noticeable upper respiratory noise. In worst cases, the instability can progress to DDSP, either as a permanent condition or only during exercise.
• The source or cause (etiology) and the development, origin and progression (pathogenesis) of DDSP, referred to as etiopathogensis, have been put under much investigation and there have been significant advancements in understanding these aspects. This has helped in improved diagnostics and treatments for DDSP.
• A surgical procedure called “laryngeal tie-forward” has become prevalent as it has shown to be an effective treatment means for DDSP. This procedure can be done either alone or in consort with various other procedures.

Nasopharyngeal Cicatrix

• Nasopharyngeal cicatrix is a disease affecting the nasopharynx that has been reported in horses, particularly in a small geographic region implying specific environmental or local factors may be at play.
• Diagnosing this condition is reliant on endoscopy, a diagnostic tool that uses a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, which provides a detailed view of the inside of the horse’s respiratory tract. This method allows for a definitive diagnosis of the nasopharyngeal cicatrix condition.
• In terms of treatment, creating a permanent tracheostomy has been established as the most effective option. This is a surgical procedure where an opening is created in the neck to allow the horse to breathe when the usual breathing passages are blocked or narrowed.