Billowing/bellowing soft palate?

[BeckyD]

Apologies, as this is a vet condition but I think it may be more relevant in here (apologies if not). Ron was diagnosed with this bellowing soft palate back in March 2009, and I was told that it will affect his competition prospects, but that in gentle work it'll probably not even notice. I was told that people who race or compete will be familiar with this problem (hence why post is in here).

If anyone knows anything about this condition, please would you enlighten me? Ron has good days where I can't perceive any breathing problem, to bad days when he seems to be struggling to breathe even in walk. We've had quite a few of the latter lately, and he gets himself in a right tizz struggling to breathe (understandably I think) and we end up in a vicious circle of him getting more stressed so finding it harder to breathe etc etc.

He is still being rehabbed following numerous injuries/surgery/lameness problems and this is just one part of a very broken whole, really. But if there was some way of helping him I would, I just don't know what to do for the best (and vets aren't very helpful, they say it's something we've just got to live with and to press on). Can anyone offer any advice?

Thank you very much.

 

[oldvic]

A lot of racehorses are operated on for soft palate problems. It is not a major operation and they don't need much time off. A cross noseband is recommended for horses with wind problems. Maybe you should get the horse referred to Newmarket or Bristol to go on the treadmill. These are the wind experts and are dealing with the racehorses so will be in the best position to help you.

 

[BeckyD]

Thank you for the guidance, I rode him in a grackle noseband last night and he was much much happier, although it may have been a coincidence.

He was endoscoped to get the diagnosis, so I think the vets are sure of the diagnosis - just not very helpful on treatment. Possibly, I guess, becuase it's Ronnie and they think it'snot going to be worth it.

Thank you.