Use of videoendoscopy during exercise for determination of appropriate surgical treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia in a colt.

This study discusses the use of videoendoscopy during exercise in identifying the correct surgical treatment for a horse suffering from laryngeal hemiplegia. Initial surgical interventions were not successful, but using videoendoscopy, the researchers were able to pinpoint the problem and carry out a successful operation, allowing the horse to race again.

Introduction and Objective

• The research was conducted to assess the effectiveness of videoendoscopy in determining the accurate surgical treatment for upper airway obstruction in horses.
• The specific case analyzed was of a Standardbred colt suffering from right-sided laryngeal hemiplegia.
• The primary objective was to devise a surgical solution to enable the horse to race successfully once again.

Methodology

• Initially, surgical procedures, specifically laryngoplasty and subtotal arytenoidectomy, were performed on the colt to correct the laryngeal hemiplegia, but both attempts proved unsuccessful.
• The researchers then performed an endoscopy of the upper airway of the horse during treadmill exercise.
• The technique provided a clear view of the horse’s larynx during exercise, highlighting the issues directly causing obstruction.
• The findings from the videoendoscopy were then integrated with upper airway flow mechanics to understand the condition better and plan an appropriate surgical intervention.

Findings

• The videoendoscopy confirmed that while the laryngeal opening was adequate at rest, an obstruction occurred during exercise.
• This obstruction was identified by observing the larynx during high airflow rates using slow-motion playback of the video recording.
• Based on these findings, a total arytenoidectomy was then performed on the horse.

Conclusion

• The successful race performance of the horse post-surgery indicated that the correct surgical procedure was identified and implemented thanks to the information obtained from videoendoscopy.
• The researchers concluded that videoendoscopy during exercise can efficiently anticipate airflow impedance and is a practical and valuable method in diagnosing and treating upper airway obstructions in horses.