Racing performance following the laryngeal tie-forward procedure: a case-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
The laryngeal tie-forward procedure (LTFP) is becoming widely used for correction of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) despite the absence of an evidence-based assessment of its efficacy.


OBJECTIVE
The LTFP returns racing performance to preoperative baseline levels and to that of matched controls; and post operative laryngohyoid position is associated with post operative performance.


METHODS
Case-controlled study of racehorses undergoing a LTFP for dorsal displacement of the soft palate at Cornell University between October 2002 and June 2007.


METHODS
The presence of at least one post operative start and race earnings ($) were used as outcome variables. Controls were matched by age, breed and sex from the third race prior to surgery. A novel radiographic reference system was used to determine laryngohyoid position pre- and post operatively. Data for definitively and presumptively diagnosed cases were analysed separately.


RESULTS
During the study interval, 263 racehorses presented, of which 106 were included in the study; 36 had a definitive diagnosis of DDSP and 70 a presumptive diagnosis. Treated horses were equally likely to race post operatively as controls in the equivalent race. Treated horses had significantly lower earnings in the race before surgery than matched controls. The procedure moved the basihyoid bone dorsally and caudally and the larynx dorsally and rostrally. A more dorsal post operative basihyoid position and more dorsal and less rostral laryngeal position were associated with an increased probability of racing post operatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Horses undergoing a LTFP are as likely to race post operatively as matched controls. The procedure restores race earnings to preoperative baseline levels and to those of matched controls.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of the LTFP in racehorses. Further work is needed to determine the relationship between laryngohyoid conformation and nasopharyngeal stability in horses.
Cheetham
J
J
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Pigott
J H
JH
Thorson
L M
LM
Mohammed
H O
HO
Ducharme
N G
NG
D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D011859:Radiography; D015619:Respiratory System Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013177:Sports / Q000191:economics; D016896:Treatment Outcome