Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers have developed a new surgical technique for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) that is improving outcomes and helping horses breathe a little bit easier.
The technique, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, provides a stronger anchor point on the paralyzed cartilage within an afflicted horse’s larynx to hold it open, and performs better than current surgical practices. The research team published their findings in the American Journal of Veterinary Research.
“This is a truly impressive advancement to an existing technique in equine surgery,” said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation. “A stronger anchor point improves surgical outcomes, gives afflicted horses a higher quality of life, and may even save the lives of horses struggling with this disease.”
Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy is a degenerative disease in larger horses, which leads to progressive partial paralysis of the left half of their larynx. While not life-threatening in most cases, it greatly hinders a horse’s ability to breathe during exercise. For working thoroughbreds or Clydesdales, this naturally constrains their performance. The cause of this condition is unknown.
Read more at Morris Animal Foundation
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