Surgical management of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy

Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN, laryngeal hemiplegia, laryngeal paralysis, ‘roaring’) is common in the equine industry with a prevalence ranging from 2.6–11% in light breeds ( Raphel 1982 ; Lane 1987 ; Morris and Seeherman 1990 ) up to 38% in draught breeds ( Brakenhoff et al. 2006 ; Perkins et al. 2009 ). There are a number of different surgical treatments currently available and more being developed. This article aims to discuss factors affecting choice of treatment and then provide an evidence‐based approach to describe surgical approaches, success rates and morbidity. Specific details of surgical methods are not given as they are readily available in surgical textbooks ( Stick 2006 ; McGorum et al. 2007 ).