Equine Laryngeal Hemiplegia: Welfare and Surgical Management

Laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring) is a common condition in large horses causing exercise intolerance and respiratory noise due to recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, with surgical correction offering good welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Laryngeal hemiplegia affects approximately 3-8% of horses, predominantly large breeds
The condition causes progressive arytenoid cartilage paralysis reducing the laryngeal airway
Clinical signs include inspiratory noise and reduced exercise tolerance at medium to high work intensities
Laryngoplasty (tieback surgery) combined with ventriculocordectomy is the most effective treatment
Surgery significantly improves exercise capacity and welfare in affected performance horses

Welfare Considerations

Laryngeal hemiplegia causes respiratory distress during exercise as the collapsed arytenoid cartilage obstructs airflow, causing hypoxaemia and the sensation of air hunger. Affected horses may show distress during work and are unable to perform at expected levels, creating both welfare and rider safety concerns. Surgical correction through laryngoplasty significantly improves airway diameter and exercise welfare, though incomplete correction and aspiration pneumonia are recognised complications. Post-operative care including controlled exercise and monitoring for aspiration is essential for optimal welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment with endoscopy for horses with exercise intolerance or inspiratory noise
Discuss laryngoplasty referral with a specialist in equine surgery for horses with moderate to severe hemiplegia
Monitor for aspiration pneumonia as a post-operative complication requiring prompt treatment
Follow post-operative exercise restriction protocols to allow surgical healing
Consider the horses workload requirements when deciding between medical management and surgical correction