Related Experiment Videos
Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy in horses: 17 cases (1984-1985)
1Section of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square 19348.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 15, 1988
Summary
A common respiratory noise in horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate is gurgling during exercise. Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy offers a 58% success rate for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Equine Medicine
- Veterinary Surgery
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Dorsal displacement of the soft palate is a common cause of upper airway obstruction in horses.
- Abnormal respiratory noises during exercise are frequently associated with this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of respiratory noise in horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
- To evaluate the efficacy of sternothyrohyoideus myectomy as a treatment.
- To determine the optimal surgical site for this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 78 horses diagnosed with dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
- Surgical treatment using sternothyrohyoideus myectomy in 17 horses.
- Anatomic dissection in 30 horses to identify the best surgical location.
Main Results:
- 94% of horses exhibited an intermittent "gurgling" respiratory noise during exercise.
- Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy achieved a 58% success rate.
- The midcervical region was identified as the optimal site for the myectomy.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent gurgling is a highly prevalent clinical sign associated with dorsal displacement of the soft palate in exercising horses.
- Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy is a viable treatment option, with the midcervical approach recommended for optimal outcomes.