Laryngeal tie-forward in standing sedated horses

ObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility and describe the clinical experience of performing laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) in standing horses unaffected (experimental) and affected (clinical) by intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (iDDSP). Study designExperimental study and case series. AnimalsFive normal experimental controls and five client owned horses affected by iDDSP. MethodsStanding LTF was performed and evaluated in five experimental horses and five clinical cases diagnosed with iDDSP. Standing LTF was performed under endoscopic guidance with horses sedated and the surgical site desensitized with local anesthetic solution. Short term outcome was assessed using radiography, resting and (in clinical cases) dynamic upper respiratory tract (URT) endoscopy. ResultsStanding LTF was well tolerated and completed in all horses. Radiographic assessment demonstrated that compared to preoperatively, the basihyoid bone and thyrohyoid-thyroid articulation were positioned dorsally (9.6 mm, p = .006 and 20.4 mm, p = .007, respectively) at 2 days postoperatively. During repeat dynamic URT endoscopy at 48 hours postoperatively, 3/5 horses showed resolution of iDDSP and 2/5 marked improvement. One horse experienced brief iDDSP associated with neck flexion which corrected after swallowing. The second achieved a greater speed and total distance prior to iDDSP. ConclusionsStanding LTF did not incur any major peri- or postoperative complications. The laryngohyoid apparatus was repositioned dorsally and in a small case series had a similar surgical effect on laryngeal position. Clinical significanceStanding LTF is feasible, mitigates the risk of general anesthesia related complications and reduces cost.

Automated summary

This study investigated the feasibility and clinical experience of performing laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) in standing horses with or without intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (iDDSP). The results showed that standing LTF was well tolerated and completed in all horses, and had a positive effect on the position of the larynx and the resolution of iDDSP.