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Discussion on Research Study: Poll Flexion and Pharyngeal Collapse in Trotters
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2009 - 9:52 am:
This newly described disease appears to be real: flexing the poll of intensely exercising Trotters induces pharyngeal collapse in some individuals. For more on this see the article associated with this forum.
DrO
Equine Vet J. 2009 Jan;41(1):59-64.
Effect of poll flexion and dynamic laryngeal collapse on tracheal pressure in Norwegian Coldblooded Trotter racehorses.
Strand E, Fjordbakk CT, Holcombe SJ, Risberg A, Chalmers HJ.
Equine Teaching Hospital, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Dynamic laryngeal collapse (DLC) associated with poll flexion is a newly diagnosed upper respiratory tract obstructive disorder that causes poor racing performance. OBJECTIVES: To determine if Norwegian Coldblooded Trotters (NCTs) affected with DLC associated with poll flexion differ from normal, elite NCTs based on simple airway mechanics measurements. METHODS: Five normal elite NCTs and 6 NCTs diagnosed previously with DLC underwent treadmill videoendoscopy while tracheal pressures were measured continuously. Alternating head positions were used such that horses were exercised with free head carriage and induced poll flexion at heart rates >200 beats/min. RESULTS: Peak inspiratory tracheal pressures were significantly more negative for horses with DLC compared to the elite horses. This difference was only significant during the exercise phases when the poll region was flexed, P = 0.0015. Head position significantly affected peak inspiratory pressure for both elite and affected horses, P < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Induced poll flexion significantly affected peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) in all horses; however, PIPs were significantly more negative in those affected with DLC. Based upon the tracheal pressure measurements recorded in this study, DLC in NCTs is a severe obstructive upper respiratory tract disorder that is induced by poll flexion.
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