Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) describes
the condition where the soft palate displaces upwards to sit on top of the epiglottis
(Figure 2). When this happens the soft palate ends up obstructing the opening to the trachea (larynx), and thereby reduces the amount of air that a horse can take in.
What causes Ddsp in horses?
Congenital hypoplasia of the epiglottis
may contribute to DDSP due to insufficient epiglottal tissue to maintain the position of the caudal border of the soft palate ventral to the epiglottis. Horses that have undergone laryngoplasty for left laryngeal hemiplegia are more likely to develop DDSP.
What does it mean when a horse displaces?
Dorsal displacement of the soft palate
is a disorder of the upper airway in horses. It is one of the most common upper airway obstructions, and it causes poor performance and abnormal noise while exercising. It’s usually a disease of racehorses, for which it is often a performance-limiting problem.
What is the purpose of the soft palate in a horse?
The function of the soft palate is
to form a seal with the base of the epiglottis
.
What is a flipped palate in horses?
Trainers who say that a horse “swallowed his tongue” or “flipped his palate” are also referring to this
misalignment of soft structures in the horse’s throat near the larynx
. … A loud choking or gurgling sound and a sharp decrease in exercise intensity are signs that the palate has become displaced.
What is a spoon bit for horses?
Spoon Bits
The
flatten port is easier on the horse’s palate
when compared to a high port mouthpiece. Spoon mouth bits are generally used by more experience riders for more advanced horse maneuvers. Spoon mouthpieces are available in sweet iron, black steel or stainless steel some.
What is Epiglottic entrapment in horses?
Epiglottic entrapment is
a less common cause of respiratory noise and exercise intolerance
. In this condition, the aryepiglottic fold completely envelops the apex and lateral margins of the epiglottis. The general shape of the epiglottis is visible, and the position (dorsal to the soft palate) is appropriate.
What is a Staphylectomy?
:
surgical excision of the uvula
.
Where is the soft palate in a horse?
The soft palate in a horse is
la flap of tissue at the back of the pharnyx
. In it’s natural position the soft palate is down which seals off the oral airway and opens up the nasal airway.
What is Epiglottic Retroversion?
Epiglottic retroversion (ER) is
the displacement of the epiglottis into the lumen of the larynx resulting in inspiratory airflow limitation and/or distress
. Â It is unclear how often ER is a primary disease in dogs versus a condition that develops secondarily to other upper airway obstructive diseases.
What problems can the soft palate cause?
A cleft palate can cause issues with
speech and swallowing
because the palate is unable to separate the respiratory tract from the digestive tract. Some babies with a cleft palate may have more frequent ear infections, hearing problems, or dental issues.
What nerve raises the soft palate?
There are five muscles which give the actions of the soft palate. They are all innervated by the pharyngeal branch
of the vagus nerve (CN X)
– apart from Tensor veli palatini – which is innervated by the medial pterygoid nerve (a branch of CN V
3
).
What happens to soft palate during breathing?
During inhalation, the soft palate is located ventrally (still dorsal to the epiglottis). During exhalation,
the soft palate displaces dorsally, thus diverting the flow of air through the oropharynx and mouth
. This flow pattern is associated with more negative peak tracheal pressure and increased expiratory impedance.
What causes dorsal displacement of the soft palate?
Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) is an intermittent obstructive upper airway condition that occurs in athletic horses during high-intensity exercise. The pathogenesis of this condition is unknown, but may involve
epiglottic hypoplasia, malformation, or neuromuscular dysfunction
.
What is a soft palate?
Listen to pronunciation. (… PAL-et)
The back, muscular (not bony) part of the roof of the mouth
.
What is a Cornell collar?
The CornellTM Collar is
a revolutionary throat support device for race horses to prevent soft palate displacement
(upper airway obstruction) and maximize performance. The device fits on like a bridle, with the headstrap resting in front of the horse’s ears and a lifting mechanism placed midline between the jaws.
