Can someone help with information? (cross post)

[pokeyman]

Our older filly ran today and, as usual, shot out of the gate and was competitive in (2nd and 3rd place) until turning for home when she completely stopped. This seems to happen lately every time at about 4 to 4 1/2 furlongs.

We did a quick after-race scope and the vet said no bleeding but one side of her throat was "quite lazy". He said it would get worse but didn't mention surgery.

My trainer is going to talk to him again tomorrow and get more information and see if we should do a more in depth scope.

Anyone have experience with something like this? Did one of your horses ever have a lazy side to their throat and if so, what if anything, was done?

[tbrace]

They can now work the mare with a scope in her nostril/throat. They can see exactly what the throat does under stress of running.

It would be worth the ticket to find out. After she stops, you really can't tell what went on.

If one side is paralyzed, pass on her. Let her find another easier career. It is usually not a problem for hunters, etc.

Our experience is that the surgery does not work.

[pokeyman]

Thanks for your reply. I agree with you that it is worth investigating further. So, I am calling New Bolton today and I'll see what they say........

[ratherrapid]

scoping showing a possible problem certainly might warrant further diagnosis, but, before spending a lot of vet money, i'd prefer in the situation to rule some things out. untrained, or inappropriately trained (for the distance) horses frequently lock up in their breathing and this will stop them. If you're on them, you can hear it, and so, I'd wonder what the jock's explanation for the stop was.

In this particular case I'd be puzzled why I'd find out about the so called problem as a result of racing. Seems to me the trainer would have reported any persistent problem merely due to the training. Since he/she apparently never did this, it makes you wonder whether there's a whole lot of training going on. Thus, I might want to know the horse's gallop history to aid in explanation.

[Laurierace]

Many horses gallop and even work fine but displace in the races. In this horse's case according to the OP on another forum it was found to have a paralyzed flap on the left.

[pokeyman]

scoping showing a possible problem certainly might warrant further diagnosis, but, before spending a lot of vet money, i'd prefer in the situation to rule some things out. untrained, or inappropriately trained (for the distance) horses frequently lock up in their breathing and this will stop them. If you're on them, you can hear it, and so, I'd wonder what the jock's explanation for the stop was.

In this particular case I'd be puzzled why I'd find out about the so called problem as a result of racing. Seems to me the trainer would have reported any persistent problem merely due to the training. Since he/she apparently never did this, it makes you wonder whether there's a whole lot of training going on. Thus, I might want to know the horse's gallop history to aid in explanation.

My trainer is one of the leading trainers at the meet. She is an excellent horsewoman and gallops everyone herself. The filly has had 8 starts and is dead fit for the distance she is running (sprint). She makes no unusual noises while galloping or racing.

I am leaning towards flipping her palate but won't know until we can scope her at a gallop.....

[pokeyman]

Many horses gallop and even work fine but displace in the races. In this horse's case according to the OP on another forum it was found to have a paralyzed flap on the left.

I am dreading that as the surgeon today said that particular surgery would virtually end her race season for this year.

I am hoping she is just flipping and not paralyzed......

[Laurierace]

Many horses gallop and even work fine but displace in the races. In this horse's case according to the OP on another forum it was found to have a paralyzed flap on the left.

I am dreading that as the surgeon today said that particular surgery would virtually end her race season for this year.

I am hoping she is just flipping and not paralyzed......

Those aren't even referencing the same body parts. I thought you said the vet said it was the flap on one side?

[Tucumcari]

Slap on a tongue tie and a figure eight and see if that helps. Up the lasix a cc or two. Add clenbuterol. Teach the horse to breathe. Surgery isn't always the only next option. There are things we can do to try to help a situation before any surgery is necessary.

[tbrace]

But if she is flipping, the jock should hear some noise. If she is paralyzed on one side, she is getting 50% of her air.

I know of no training device that will help if she is paralyzed.

Let's hope it is just mucous, and a little clenbutural will help!

[pokeyman]

Many horses gallop and even work fine but displace in the races. In this horse's case according to the OP on another forum it was found to have a paralyzed flap on the left.

I am dreading that as the surgeon today said that particular surgery would virtually end her race season for this year.

I am hoping she is just flipping and not paralyzed......

Those aren't even referencing the same body parts. I thought you said the vet said it was the flap on one side?

Displacing her soft palate will require tie forward surgery and a paralyzed flap will require tie back surgery per the New Bolton Center surgeon.

[pokeyman]

But if she is flipping, the jock should hear some noise. If she is paralyzed on one side, she is getting 50% of her air.

I know of no training device that will help if she is paralyzed.

Let's hope it is just mucous, and a little clenbutural will help!

Actually, surgeon told me the opposite. No noise with displacing palate but there is with a paralyzed flap. Since she is stopping so abruptly and violently he was leaning towards displacing her soft palate.

No mucus as she scoped clean with no blood or evidence of infection.

She does not get lasix and has never shown any evidence of bleeding. Zero...not even a little bleeding.

We don't race on bute either.....

So, I am anxiously awaiting the results of the scope!!

[madelyn]

If she is displacing, using a Dr. Bristol/French Link snaffle vs a single jointed bit can help a LOT. The single jointed bit can be responsible for triggering the flip of the palate.

[Dave C]

Another thing to consider trying is working her hard from the gate on bute. The distance where she is stopping is the point at which natural painkillers kick out. The airway may be the symptom not the cause: she feels pain, she displaces/flips and stops. Just something else to consider.

[Tucumcari]

Surgery won't knock you out for the year either. I had one done that won next out, six weeks after surgery. Wearing a fig 8, TT, and he paid $73.00 to win. It was very successful for this particular horse.
The equipment change is standard for me on about anything that has any breathing issue, period. Other than mucous or pimples. Color me silly, but I do prefer to feel like I am at least making an attempt to help even if it only makes ME feel better.
I am guessing if you don't run on bute then clenbuterol is out as well?
I think one needs to take into context that running without anything on board against horses who are loaded full isn't necessarily stepping any horse up when you are competing with ones who are on bute and lasix clen etc.
I think it is an admirable stand to take, but it's going to be a tough haul. I get where you are coming from, and think it's great if that is what you really feel is best. But now the playing field isn't level. Just sayin.