Horse's Roaring Breath: RLN Surgery Offers Hope

Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) is a condition increasingly affecting horses as summer temperatures rise, impacting their respiratory system. This degenerative nerve disorder, which predominantly affects the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, weakens the muscles controlling the larynx, leading to airway obstruction.

The most common symptom is a characteristic 'roaring' sound when the horse inhales, caused by the collapse of laryngeal cartilage that impedes airflow. As the condition progresses, horses may experience exercise intolerance and decreased performance, particularly noticeable in athletic animals.

While the exact cause of RLN remains idiopathic, larger horse breeds such as Thoroughbreds and draft breeds are more commonly affected, possibly due to the nerve's length. Increased temperatures exacerbate the condition by placing higher demands on the respiratory system for cooling.

Diagnosis typically involves reviewing medical history, a physical examination of the larynx, and upper airway endoscopy. Dynamic endoscopy, performed during exercise, can detect more subtle forms of RLN. Surgical treatment, often a 'tie back' procedure, retracts the affected cartilage to improve airflow, though it aims to restore functionality rather than completely reverse the nerve damage.

Post-surgery, horses undergo a six-week rehabilitation period, including rechecks and dietary adjustments to prevent complications. Successful recovery allows horses to return to their intended level of performance without long-term management issues.