WIND SURGERY
We perform a large number of upper respiratory tract surgeries each year in conjunction with Mr. J G Lane BVetMed, DESTS, FRCVS, (RCVS Specialist in Equine Surgery). These operations are indicated in horses where abnormalities of the upper respiratory tract (larynx, pharynx, epiglottis etc) are affecting the airflow into the lungs and so limiting performance.
Diagnosis of these conditions is usually via a combination of loss of performance, often a respiratory noise and endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract. For definitive diagnosis overground endoscopy may be required which we offer at the hospital. The various procedures are carried out under general anaesthesia in our operating theatre.
Procedures
The majority of procedures that we perform are aimed at treating the two most common abnormalities; Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (paralysis of the left side of the larynx) and Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Sometimes more than one problem may be present and so more than one procedure will be performed at the same time.
Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy
Depending on the severity of the paralysis of the cartilage on the left side of the larynx and the exercise requirement of the horse this condition may cause a loss of performance and often causes an inspiratory noise and so affected horses are sometimes termed “roarers”. Mild cases will be treated by “Hobday” (ventriculocordectomy) surgery; removing the lining of the ventricles which vibrate to cause the noise along with the vocal cord. More severe cases may also require a “Tieback” (prosthetic laryngoplasty) where the paralysed cartilage within the larynx is fixed into a position that allows adequate airflow but at the same time without allowing food to enter the airway. While complications can occur, the overall success rate with these procedures is very good.
DDSP
In this condition the soft palate, which separates the mouth from the back of the nose, becomes dislodged from its normal position under the epiglottis. Various techniques are available which aim to stiffen the soft palate to help prevent this happening, we utilise a soft palate cautery technique most frequently. A more recent technique with a higher success rate (around 80%) is the “Tie-forward” which moves the larynx (and so epiglottis) forward forming a more secure seal between the soft palate and the epiglottis.
All of these procedures require a period of rest to allow healing, usually in the region of 4-5 weeks after which we recommend horses are gradually returned to work.
Contact the clinic for more details of investigations, procedures and costings.
Our purpose built hospital, opened in November 2002, nestles on the edge of the Blackdown Hills in a peaceful, tranquil environment yet is easily accessible being only 10 minutes drive from Junctions 26 and 27 of the M5. Servicing the counties of Devon and Somerset, it is a facility second to none in the Westcountry and since opening we have invested in a continued program of development and improvements. This culminated in October 2009 with the award of RCVS Equine Hospital status, the highest level of accreditation available, reflecting the high level of veterinary expertise, nursing care and facilities available.
