Effect of combined staphylectomy and laryngotomy on upper airway mechanics in clinically normal horses.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of combined staphylectomy and laryngotomy on upper airway mechanics in clinically normal horses running on a treadmill.


METHODS
6 Standardbreds.


METHODS
Upper airway mechanics were measured with horses trotting or pacing on a treadmill at 5, 8, and 10 m/s before and 6 weeks after combined staphylectomy and laryngotomy. Pharyngeal and tracheal inspiratory and expiratory pressure were measured by use of transnasal tracheal and pharyngeal side hole catheters connected to differential pressure transducers. A pneumotachograph mounted on the rostral end of an airtight face mask was used to measure airflow.


RESULTS
Upper airway and translaryngeal inspiratory impedances were higher, respiratory rate was decreased, and inspiratory time was longer (P < 0.05) at all speeds after staphylectomy and laryngotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined staphylectomy and laryngotomy significantly affects upper airway mechanics in clinically normal horses.


CONCLUSIONS
Because combined staphylectomy and laryngotomy exerts a potentially adverse effect on upper airway mechanics in clinically normal horses, the procedure should only be performed when it is clearly indicated.
O'Rielly
J L
JL
Exercise Physiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1089, USA.
Beard
W L
WL
Renn
T N
TN
Padden
A J
AJ
Hinchcliff
K W
KW
D000818:Animals; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D012119:Respiration; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*