Videoendoscopic assessment of dynamic laryngeal function during exercise in horses with grade-III left laryngeal hemiparesis at rest: 26 cases (1992-1995).
Abstract: To evaluate laryngeal function by means of videoendoscopy during high-speed treadmill exercise in racehorses with grade-III left laryngeal hemiparesis at rest and to determine outcome of treatment. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 26 racehorses. Methods: Videoendoscopy of the larynx was performed while horses were at rest and exercising on a treadmill. Horses were classified as having grade-IIIA, -IIIB, or -IIIC laryngeal hemiparesis on the basis of the degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction maintained during exercise. Postoperative racing performance was determined by evaluating race records and conducting telephone surveys. Results: 20 (77%) horses had grade-IIIC laryngeal hemiparesis (i.e., severe dynamic laryngeal collapse during exercise). Eighteen underwent surgery, and racing performance was improved in 9. Five (19%) horses had grade-IIIB laryngeal hemiparesis (i.e., left arytenoid cartilage and vocal fold were maintained in an incompletely abducted position during exercise). Four underwent surgery, and racing performance was improved in 1. One (4%) horse had grade-IIIA laryngeal hemiparesis (i.e., full abduction of arytenoid cartilage during exercise); surgery was not performed. Conclusions: Videoendoscopy is useful in determining dynamic laryngeal function in racehorses with grade-III laryngeal hemiparesis at rest.
Publication Date: 1998-02-21 PubMed ID: 9470052
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates how videoendoscopy can be used to evaluate the laryngeal function of racehorses suffering from grade-III left laryngeal hemiparesis at rest during high-speed treadmill exercise. It also explores the treatment outcomes for these horses.
Research Methodology
- The study, conducted retrospectively, involved 26 racehorses diagnosed with grade-III left laryngeal hemiparesis at rest.
- Videoendoscopy was employed to evaluate the larynx of the horses both at rest and during exercise. This enables the researchers to observe the degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction which took place during exercise.
- Depending on this abduction degree, horses were classified as having grade-IIIA, -IIIB, or -IIIC laryngeal hemiparesis.
- Postoperative racing performance was gauged by examining race records and conducting telephone surveys.
Research Findings
- A significant majority of the horses, 77%, had grade-IIIC laryngeal hemiparesis. This indicated severe dynamic laryngeal collapse during exercise.
- Out of the 18 horses that underwent surgery in the grade-IIIC group, nine displayed improved racing performance after treatment.
- 19% of horses showed grade-IIIB laryngeal hemiparesis, where the left arytenoid cartilage and the vocal fold remained in an incompletely abducted position during exercise. Among the four that underwent surgery, one showed improved performance.
- Only one horse had grade-IIIA laryngeal hemiparesis, demonstrating full abduction of arytenoid cartilage during exercise. For this horse, surgery was not performed.
Conclusions
- Videoendoscopy proves to be a successful tool in assessing dynamic laryngeal function in racehorses with grade-III left laryngeal hemiparesis at rest.
- By enabling detailed observation of the larynx, it helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment of the ailment.
- The study also helps provide some insight into postoperative performance, although results varied widely with different grades of laryngeal hemiparesis.
Cite This Article
APA
Hammer EJ, Tulleners EP, Parente EJ, Martin BB.
(1998).
Videoendoscopic assessment of dynamic laryngeal function during exercise in horses with grade-III left laryngeal hemiparesis at rest: 26 cases (1992-1995).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 212(3), 399-403.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square 19348, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arytenoid Cartilage / physiopathology
- Exercise Test / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / classification
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Laryngoscopy / methods
- Laryngoscopy / veterinary
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Video Recording
- Vocal Cord Paralysis / classification
- Vocal Cord Paralysis / physiopathology
- Vocal Cord Paralysis / veterinary
- Vocal Cords / physiopathology
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Ahern BJ, Sole A, de Klerk K, Hogg LR, Vallance SA, Bertin FR, Franklin SH. Evaluation of postsale endoscopy as a predictor of future racing performance in an Australian thoroughbred yearling population. Aust Vet J 2022 Jun;100(6):254-260.
- McGivney CL, McGivney BA, Farries G, Gough KF, Han H, Holtby AR, MacHugh DE, Katz LM, Hill EW. A genome-wide association study for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in the Thoroughbred horse identifies a candidate gene that regulates myelin structure. Equine Vet J 2025 Jul;57(4):943-952.
- Martin-Flores M, Sakai DM, Campoy L, Cheetham J. A model of transient laryngeal hemiplegia in dogs through conduction blockade of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Am J Vet Res 2022 Jul 30;83(10).
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