The effect of recurrent laryngeal neurectomy in conjunction with laryngoplasty and unilateral ventriculocordectomy in thoroughbred racehorses

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of recurrent laryngeal neurectomy (RLN) in combination with laryngoplasty and ventriculocordectomy on the postoperative performance of Thoroughbred racehorses treated for grade III left laryngeal hemiparesis (LLH). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Fifty-five Thoroughbred racehorses. METHODS: Medical records for Thoroughbred racehorses treated surgically by laryngoplasty and laser ventriculocordectomy with or without RLN between June 1993 and December 1996 were reviewed. Outcome was evaluated subjectively by assessment of performance obtained from telephone interviews with owners and trainers, and objectively by assessment of racing performance for 3 races before and after surgery using a performance index (PI). RESULTS: Fifty-five Thoroughbred racehorses with resting endoscopic grade III LLH were treated by laryngoplasty and ventriculocordectomy either with (39 horses) or without (16 horses) RLN. For RLN horses, respondents for 38 horses believed performance was improved in 19 horses, unchanged in 16 horses, and decreased in 3 horses. For horses without RLN, respondents for 9 horses reported that performance was improved in 5 horses, unchanged in 2 horses, and decreased in 2 horses. PI scores were improved in 18 RLN horses and in 6 horses without RLN; there was no statistical difference in outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of RLN in combination with laryngoplasty and ventriculocordectomy for treatment of grade III LLH may not improve postoperative racing performance.