Persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate associated with epiglottic shortening in two horses.
Persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate was diagnosed in 2 Thoroughbred horses examined because of decreased exercise tolerance and a respiratory noise during strenuous exercise. The persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate was caused by an epiglottis that was approximately 2/3 normal size, and thus was incapable of maintaining the soft palate in a normal subepiglottic position. Contrast pharyngography suggested a primary epiglottic abnormality. Visual assessment of the lesion was accomplished by exploratory ventral laryngotomy and endoscopy of the oropharynx per os. Surgical intervention did not appreciably improve exercise capacity.
D000818:Animals; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006736:Horses; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery