What is a displaced soft palate in a horse?
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 does tensing soft palate do?
It is responsible for closing off the nasal passages during the act of swallowing, and also for closing off the airway. During sneezing, it protects the nasal passage by diverting a portion of the excreted substance to the mouth.
Where is the soft palate in horses?
The soft palate is an extension of the hard palate that divides the oral cavity and the nasal cavity. If you move your tongue to the roof of your mouth, you can feel the hard palate. Then move your tongue further back and the roof of your mouth becomes soft. The softer portion of the roof is called the soft palate.
What forms posterior 1/3 of the hard palate?
The horizontal plate of the palatine bone completes the hard palate posteriorly. Note the incisive foramen in the anterior midline and the greater and lesser palatine foramina at the junction of the maxilla and the palatine bones and in the palatine bone, respectively.
What does it mean when a horse has soft palate?
Veterinarians often diagnose intermittent or persistent malpositioning of the soft palate dorsal to the epiglottis, called dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) or palate instability.
How often do horses recover from soft palate displacement?
In each case, approximately 60% of horses improve with these treatments. Depending on the age of the horse, proceeding with a conservative approach initially is recommended. If this doesn’t work, surgery or a combination of surgeries may be recommended.
Why do horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate choke?
Right when the horse needs a last burst of energy, it appears as if someone turned off a switch. Horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) characteristically make a “choking” noise as they slow down from the resulting partial airway obstruction, hence the term “choking down” to describe them.
How does tongue tie affect soft palate in horses?
Caudal retraction of the tongue elevates the soft palate and pushes the larynx caudally, both of which may predispose to DDSP. Placing a tongue tie during exercise reduces caudal retraction of the tongue.
Veterinarians often diagnose intermittent or persistent malpositioning of the soft palate dorsal to the epiglottis, called dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) or palate instability.
In each case, approximately 60% of horses improve with these treatments. Depending on the age of the horse, proceeding with a conservative approach initially is recommended. If this doesn’t work, surgery or a combination of surgeries may be recommended.
Right when the horse needs a last burst of energy, it appears as if someone turned off a switch. Horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) characteristically make a “choking” noise as they slow down from the resulting partial airway obstruction, hence the term “choking down” to describe them.
What can cause a horse to have soft hooves?
Poor Hoof Quality Hoof cracks, splits, chips, and distortion can form due to the development of soft hooves. Sensitive Hooves Hooves may become tender to hard and rocky surfaces. Foreign objects, rocks, and other material can penetrate and bruise the softened sole.
