Epiglottic augmentation for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in racehorses: 59 cases (1985-1994).
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether epiglottic augmentation, in conjunction with more traditional surgical methods, would be useful in the treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in racehorses.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
40 Thoroughbred and 19 Standardbred racehorses.


METHODS
Polytetrafluoroethylene paste was injected submucosally on the lingual epiglottic surface of each horse. In addition, sternothyrohyoideus myectomy or sternothyroideus tenectomy and staphylectomy were performed in most horses.


RESULTS
Racing performance was improved after surgery in 29 of 40 (73%) Thoroughbreds and 10 of 19 (53%) Standardbreds. Twenty-nine (49%) horses won > or = 1 race after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that epiglottic augmentation, in conjunction with other surgical methods, may be an effective method of treating horses with poor racing performance attributable to dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
Tulleners
E
E
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square 19348, USA.
Stick
J A
JA
Leitch
M
M
Trumble
T N
TN
Wilkerson
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013177:Sports
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene