Delphi consensus on Thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy in Australasia

Area of Science:

• Equine veterinary science
• Animal welfare
• Veterinary diagnostics

Background:

• Industry confidence in yearling sales endoscopy in Australia and New Zealand has declined due to reliability concerns.
• Recent research has improved understanding of the link between yearling laryngeal function (YLF) grades and subsequent outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve expert consensus on optimal YLF grading methods.
• To evaluate the clinical significance of YLF grades for race performance and risk of prosthetic laryngoplasty.
• To develop standardized guidelines for pre-sale endoscopic examination techniques.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi study involving anonymous, iterative surveys distributed to expert veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand.
• Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement, with qualitative and quantitative data analyzed after each round.
• Panellists received feedback from previous rounds to inform subsequent survey iterations.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on adopting the Havemeyer grading system for YLF.
• Standardized pre-sale endoscopic techniques and a four-tier risk-rating system for YLF grades were established.
• YLF grades were categorized: I and II.1 (low-risk), II.2 (low-moderate-risk), III.1 (moderate-risk), and ≥III.2 (high-risk), with guiding descriptors.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a basis for evidence-based guidelines to enhance transparency and consistency in yearling sales endoscopy.
• Implementation of these guidelines aims to improve animal welfare and support more informed purchasing decisions.
• The developed framework promotes standardized risk assessment for yearling laryngeal function.