Standing laryngeal tie‐forward as a successful treatment of cleft palate in a 3‐month‐old foal

Abstract

AbstractA 3‐month‐old Warmblood colt was referred for evaluation of coughing and dysphagia. An asymmetrical, short defect of the soft palate and secondary aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed and surgically treated with a standing laryngeal tie‐forward procedure. Intraoperative endoscopy was used to guide the procedure and confirm appropriate epiglottic positioning. By 4 days post‐operatively, the dysphagia resolved. Upper respiratory tract endoscopy performed 2 days post‐operatively confirmed maintenance of the intraoperative laryngohyoid positioning. When contacted 2 years post‐operatively, the owner reported being satisfied with the outcome of surgery. Clinical signs of dysphagia had resolved in 4 days and pneumonia within 2 months of surgery. This report demonstrates that small cleft palate defects can be treated successfully in foals using a standing laryngeal tie‐forward. When used in appropriate cases, the technique provides a valid alternative to primary closure, which mitigates the need for general anaesthesia in a potentially high‐risk population.