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Left sided Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (RLN) or paralysis of one side of the larynx (voice box) is a common…

Left sided Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (RLN) or paralysis of one side of the larynx (voice box) is a common condition affecting performance horses. Horses typically present with severe exercise intolerance and make a loud noise (commonly known as ‘roaring’) when working.

A tieback/laryngoplasty is the recommended surgical procedure. The essence of the procedure is to place a prosthesis at the level of the paralysed arytenoid cartilage so as to closed up the airway and establish maximal airflow again. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Recent developments in sedation techniques and surgical improvements have led surgeons to commonly perform more and more procedures in the standing horse.

Surgeons at the Camden Equine Centre are now able to offer the standing tie-back procedure (see photos of a recent procedure). The standing technique not only offers benefits in terms of avoiding general anaesthesia and its associated risks, it allows for better visualisation of the surgical field, a much more precise control on the tightness of the prosthesis and therefore a higher rate of success.