Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with epiglottic retroversion treated successfully with surgery
By Curtiss, Alexandra L & Parente, Eric J·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2019·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Epiglottopexy for the treatment of epiglottic retroversion in 2 horses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, two horses, a 2-year-old thoroughbred gelding and a 6-year-old standardbred gelding, were treated for a condition called epiglottic retroversion, where a part of the throat flips backward, causing breathing issues. The diagnosis was made using a special camera while the horses were exercising. Both horses underwent a surgical procedure called epiglottopexy to correct this problem. After the surgery, both horses were able to return to their previous racing levels within a year, and one horse showed complete improvement six months later when checked again. This technique appears to be effective for helping horses with this condition get back to competing.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report an epiglottopexy technique for the treatment of epiglottic retroversion (ER) in 2 horses. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: A 2-year-old thoroughbred gelding and a 6-year-old standardbred gelding, both with ER. METHODS: Epiglottic retroversion was diagnosed via exercising endoscopic examination in both horses. Epiglottopexy technique was performed in both cases. RESULTS: Both horses returned to previous racing class within 1 year after surgery. Repeat exercising endoscopy of 1 horse 6 months postoperatively revealed resolution of the ER. CONCLUSION: Epiglottopexy should be considered for treatment of ER in the equine athlete. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Previously reported surgical techniques for ER in the equine athlete have not resulted in horses returning to previous performance level. The technique reported here resulted in both horses achieving athletic status.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31066076/