Horse Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate

Dorsal displacement of the soft palate is a common cause of upper airway obstruction in racehorses, impacting performance and potentially causing respiratory distress.

Key Facts

DDSP is the most common dynamic upper airway disorder in racehorses
The soft palate displaces dorsally above the epiglottis, obstructing airflow
Affected horses often make a gurgling sound and show sudden performance loss
Diagnosis requires dynamic endoscopy performed during exercise
Treatment options include tongue ties, palate cauterization, and Llewellyn sling surgeries

Welfare Considerations

Horses experiencing DDSP during racing or intense exercise suffer acute airway obstruction, equivalent to suddenly being unable to breathe properly at maximum exertion. This causes significant distress, oxygen debt, and may contribute to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. The use of tongue ties to prevent DDSP is controversial, with evidence that they can cause pain and soft tissue damage. Welfare-based approaches prioritize accurate diagnosis and the least invasive effective treatment.

What You Can Do

Request dynamic endoscopy rather than resting scopes for accurate DDSP diagnosis
Critically evaluate the use of tongue ties and seek evidence-based alternatives
Support research into the neurological basis of DDSP for better targeted treatments
Retire horses with severe or refractory DDSP from high-intensity competition
Advocate for racing industry adoption of welfare protocols around airway disorders