Persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in two young bulls

Dorsal displacement of the soft palate was diagnosed by means of endoscopy and radiography in a 10-month-old Chianina/Angus bull and an 11-month-old Limousin bull. Both bulls produced respiratory noise that was audible in all phases of respiration. The Limousin bull also had exercise intolerance and became dyspneic when excited. The Chianina/Angus bull was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and rest. The respiratory noise resolved over a 4-month period, and the Chianina/Angus bull has been breeding successfully on pasture. Sternothyroideus and sternohyoideus myectomy was performed in the Limousin bull. Immediate postoperative improvement was noticed clinically and endoscopically. The bull had normal respiration 4 months after surgery and was successfully breeding on pasture. Although rare, dorsal displacement of the soft palate should be considered when evaluating cattle with respiratory noise or exercise intolerance.