Persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate associated with epiglottic shortening in two horses
Haynes, P.F.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 179(7): 677-681
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7341580 Document Number: 170363
Persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate was diagnosed in two Thoroughbred horses examined because of decreased exercise tolerance and a respiratory noise during strenuous exercise. The persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate was caused by an epiglottis that was about 60% normal size, and thus was incapable of maintaining the soft palate in a normal subepiglottic position. Contrast pharyngography suggested a primary epiglottic abnormality. Visual assessment of the lesion was accomplished by exploratory ventral laryngotomy and endoscopy of the oropharynx per os. Surgical intervention did not appreciably improve exercise capacity.