loading page

Unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy results in increased arytenoid stability in horses with severe left sided recurrent laryngeal neuropathy.
  • Christopher Baldwin,
  • Joanna L. Ireland,
  • Safia Barakzai
Christopher Baldwin
University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science
Author Profile
Joanna L. Ireland
University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science
Author Profile
Safia Barakzai
Equine Surgical Referrals

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile

Abstract

Background: There is no objective information reporting the effect of unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy (VeC) on arytenoid abduction or stability. Objectives: To evaluate arytenoid stability and abduction in horses with severe recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) before and after unilateral laser VeC. Study design: Prospective study in clinically affected client-owned horses. Methods: Sample size calculations indicated ≥7 horses were required. Horses with grade C or D exercising laryngeal function that underwent unilateral laser VeC were included. Exercising endoscopy was performed before and ≥6 weeks after left-sided laser VeC. Arytenoid stability at maximal exercise was calculated by measuring the left-to-right quotient angle ratio (LRQ) of the corniculate processes at the points of maximal arytenoid abduction (expiration) and maximal arytenoid collapse (inspiration). For each horse, means of measurements obtained for four breaths pre- and post-operatively were used for statistical analysis. Results: Eight horses were included: 5 grade C and 3 grade D laryngeal function. The difference in LRQ between inspiration and expiration was lower post-operatively (median 0.039; interquartile range [IQR] 0.032-0.047) compared to pre-operatively (median 0.158; IQR 0.083-0.249; p=0.01) confirming the left arytenoid was more stable following unilateral laser VeC. The degree of improvement was significantly greater for grade D horses compared to grade C horses (p=0.04). The LRQ measured on maximal abduction was also lower post-operatively (median 0.467; IQR 0.444-0.506) compared to pre-operatively (median 0.578; IQR 0.554-0.655; p=0.02) indicating the left arytenoid was less abducted following surgery. Main study limitations: The sample size was small, no racehorses were included and post-operative assessment was conducted at a variable time after surgery. Conclusion: Unilateral laser VeC in grade C and D RLN-affected horses results in slightly reduced left arytenoid abduction but increased arytenoid stability.
Submitted to Equine Veterinary Journal
24 Jan 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
31 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
05 Apr 20241st Revision Received
05 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
05 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending