Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dynamic ventrorostral displacement of the dorsal laryngeal mucosa in horses.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Pollock, P J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Weipers Centre Equine Hospital · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This report looks at a rare condition in Thoroughbred horses called dynamic ventrorostral displacement of the dorsal laryngeal mucosa (VRDDLM), which can cause abnormal breathing sounds and poor performance during exercise. Researchers reviewed records from 600 horses and found that 12 had this condition, where a part of the throat tissue moves in a way that blocks the airway during high-speed activity. Eight of these horses also had other issues in their respiratory tract, such as problems with the vocal cords and soft palate. While VRDDLM is uncommon, it may be linked to breathing difficulties and performance issues, suggesting that more research is needed to understand its significance.
Abstract
The objectives of this report were to describe the occurrence and features of dynamic ventrorostral displacement of the dorsal laryngeal mucosa (VRDDLM) in a group of Thoroughbred horses presented for investigation of poor performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. Records from 600, dynamic, endoscopic examinations of the upper respiratory tract of horses were reviewed. Horses with VRDDLM were identified as those in which the dorsal laryngeal mucosa progressively obscured the interarytenoid notch and dorsoaxial portion of the corniculate processes of the arytenoid cartilages during high-speed exercise. The condition was recognised in 12 horses. Concurrent abnormalities of the respiratory tract of eight horses were also identified and included, axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds, vocal cord prolapse, unilateral and bilateral ventromedial luxation of the apex of the corniculate process of the arytenoid cartilage, and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. VRDDLM is a rare abnormality of the upper portion of the respiratory tract of horses that may be associated with abnormal respiratory noise and potentially poor performance. The significance of the condition is not known, but the presence of this condition in combination with other, obstructive diseases of the equine airway warrants further investigation.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23559426/