Performance after partial arytenoidectomy without mucosal closure in 27 Thoroughbred racehorses

Area of Science:

• Equine surgery
• Veterinary internal medicine
• Equine sports medicine

Background:

• Laryngeal dysfunction is a common cause of poor performance in Thoroughbred racehorses.
• Surgical interventions aim to improve airflow and restore racing capability.
• Partial arytenoidectomy is a treatment option for specific laryngeal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of partial arytenoidectomy without mucosal closure on racing performance.
• To assess long-term complications associated with this surgical technique.
• To compare outcomes in horses with different pre-surgical racing histories.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for 27 Thoroughbred racehorses.
• Horses categorized into pre-surgery non-racing (Group 1) and racing (Group 2) groups.
• Objective (Standard Starts Index, Performance Index) and subjective (owner/trainer interviews) performance evaluation.

Main Results:

• A significant percentage of horses in both groups raced and earned money post-surgery (61% Group 1, 78% Group 2).
• Horses that had not raced previously (Group 1) generally performed below the national average.
• Only one horse in the previously racing group (Group 2) showed an improved Performance Index.

Conclusions:

• Partial arytenoidectomy without mucosal closure provides a fair prognosis for successful racing in Thoroughbreds.
• This technique presents a viable alternative to primary mucosal closure, potentially reducing surgical time and associated complications.