Do you know a horse with a permanent tracheostomy?

[Zena2004]

Hi,
I was wondering if any of you know/have seen horses with a permanent tracheostomy? My 6 year old mare has dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Due to her deformed epiglottis, the only surgical option is a permanent tracheostomy. I currently ride her and she is fit and healthy, but VERY noisy and lacks stamina because she gets out of breath quickly. I have done my research but am really keen to hear about real life experiences of the tracheostomy - From what I can gather it's rather rare outside of the racing world.
What does it looks like? How dirty does it get? Is it easy to clean/maintain? Has it improved your horses breathing when ridden? Has anyone made a filter for it so they they can still ride on sand? (the surgeon has suggested trying to make something to cover it using a pair of tights!) Basically any information/advice would be great! Thank you.

 

[Oberon]

I know one.

He lives quite happily with it. He is only in light work, but that is an owner/time issue rather than his physicality.

His care fits into a neat routine. The smell from it is awful when he breathes at you from it!
Like bad breath.

His owner knows of a horse who does eventing with a trachy.

 

[asbo]

i knew of one, he was in his late 30s when he was PTS, was ridden most days on walk/trot hacks and seemed quite happy.

 

[rachi0]

I no an ex racehorse that has one and she has a hole in her sinus too... poor girly.. but she is rather old now... and still going strong.

Only thing is to keep it clean!!!

 

[Steeleydan]

The race horse Party Politics had one, Iam sure he won the National or another famous race, I stand corrected if Iam wrong, but it defo had a trachioctomy.

 

[JanetGeorge]

Only thing is to keep it clean!!!

Even MORE important is keeping water clear of it! All-over baths are a no-no - as is swimming!

 

[Zena2004]

Thanks everyone! For the time being I will be giving the surgery a miss. She has a good quality of life and I'm aprehensive about doing something that doesn't seem very common. Most horses with one seem to be a lot older/no longer in work etc - or race horses and generally the tracheal implant is taken out after racing season rather than left in on a permanent basis. So for now, I will continue to have fun with my happy (and very noisy!) horsey. Thanks again!