Page 715 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

afterwards. In order to ensure they are correctly fitted, the British Horseracing Authority

(BHA) Rules require that every horse fitted with a tongue strap is checked by a vet
VetBooks.ir • before going down to the start.

Special tongue bits are available that put pressure on the top of the tongue and discourage
swallowing.

• Another external device known as a laryngohyoid support has been shown to have some
effect in supporting the larynx in a more forward position. However, it is not permitted

under the Rules of Racing in the UK.

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Surgery is only considered if the above methods fail. There are a number of procedures that

are performed with variable success rates.
• Laryngeal tie-forward This is a procedure whereby the larynx is sutured in a forward

position so it cannot be pulled backwards.

• Staphylectomy This is the name given to an operation in which a strip of tissue is
removed from the caudal border of the soft palate. The operation is carried out under

general anaesthetic through an incision in the horse’s throat. The theory is that with
healing, the scar tissue contracts and tightens the seal between the larynx and the soft
palate. If dislocation does occur, there is less soft palate to obstruct the airway. The

success rate is reported to be approximately 60%.

• Myectomy A portion of the strap muscles on the underside of the neck is removed with
the horse sedated under local anaesthesia. This operation is often done in combination

with a staphylectomy.
• Thermocautery The palate is contacted with a hot instrument, causing a thermal injury.

The scarring is thought to make the palate firmer and less liable to dislocate.
• Injection of Teflon into the epiglottis If part of the problem is considered to be an
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unusually small or floppy epiglottis, Teflon can be injected into the underside of the
epiglottis to make it firmer.
• Surgical tightening of the soft palate To tighten a particularly floppy soft palate, a piece

of tissue can be removed from either side. This reduces the chance of it obstructing the
airway.

Prognosis

The prognosis is variable. In many horses the condition is successfully controlled with
changes of management. For some animals it is a temporary condition that goes away with