Wind issues; improvement with maturity?

McGrools

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Hi, wonder if anyone has any experiences to share.
3 yr old racehorse bred filly, just broken in but makes a noise, even in trot. Scoped to find there is too much flesh blocking the access to the wind pipes. Surgery not an option. Absolutely no future as a racehorse.
But, she is the sweetest little thing. As wide as she is tall. Very quiet, genuine. Would be a perfect show pony. I wonder if with another year to grow on, the wind issue could improve slightly? She is only just turning 3. And is frankly fat for a tb. Clutching at straws I know but just worth an ask. Xx
 

ycbm

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Can't they even laser some of it out of the way? I would hope that some increase in her size and a big increase in fitness will improve her but I'd be looking for a second opinion on the "surgery not an option" if you don't already have one. Fitness made a very big difference to one of my two with larynx paralysis. He was race bred, 4 when I bought him like it.
.
 

SEL

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Did they say why surgery wasn't an option? My cob was horrendous but they brought in a specialist surgeon who made a world of difference. She's still a bit roary but is so much happier now.
 

McGrools

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Can't they even laser some of it out of the way? I would hope that some increase in her size and a big increase in fitness will improve her but I'd be looking for a second opinion on the "surgery not an option" if you don't already have one. Fitness made a very big difference to one of my two with larynx paralysis. He was race bred, 4 when I bought him like it.
.
She has been seen by the top racehorse guy in Cambridge. Ben Brain. He said no hoper. But that was with racing in mind to be fair.
I saw the scope on the yard and vet said where there is usually the visible channel to get the pipe down it was pretty much blocked with flesh.
 

McGrools

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Did they say why surgery wasn't an option? My cob was horrendous but they brought in a specialist surgeon who made a world of difference. She's still a bit roary but is so much happier now.
Good to know. Thankyou.
I think it’s just a lot of excess tissue rather than a typical wind op issue
 

ycbm

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She has been seen by the top racehorse guy in Cambridge. Ben Brain. He said no hoper. But that was with racing in mind to be fair.
I saw the scope on the yard and vet said where there is usually the visible channel to get the pipe down it was pretty much blocked with flesh.

Sounds like he was thinking about a tracheotomy, tubing.

I'm just wondering about the possibility of using the laser that they do a laser hobday with to burn back enough just to let a bit more air in? The one I had tied back was laser hobdayed. Not for racing, for your filly, obviously, but possibly to give her half a chance of a normal RC life. There's no cutting or stitching so it was pretty cheap back in the 00's. Got to be worth a try if anyone thinks it might help.
.
 

McGrools

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I'm just wondering about the possibility of using the laser that they do a laser hobday with to burn back enough just to let a bit more air in? The one I had tied back was laser hobdayed. Not for racing, for your filly, obviously, but possibly to give her half a chance of a normal RC life. There's no cutting or stitching so it was pretty cheap back in the 00's. Got to be worth a try if anyone thinks it might help.
.
It might be an option to explore Thankyou. She is such a sweet person, she deserves a chance x
 

ihatework

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She has been seen by the top racehorse guy in Cambridge. Ben Brain. He said no hoper. But that was with racing in mind to be fair.
I saw the scope on the yard and vet said where there is usually the visible channel to get the pipe down it was pretty much blocked with flesh.

Ben Brain, top guy!
I’d give him a call and ask for his opinion on a non racing job.

ETA - he is first port of call for eventers and has his own base in Cotswolds.
 
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ihatework

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Also, if it’s something that could be improved on, he does standing laser and is MUCH better value than the big vet hospitals.

I think last one I had done was a day case and £800 ish all in
 

SEL

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Good to know. Thankyou.
I think it’s just a lot of excess tissue rather than a typical wind op issue
Mine was verging on needing a tracheostomy - even post surgery she has a cantering limit - so it's definitely worth having the "can you do enough for a riding horse" discussion. I thought we were looking at companion status post surgery but it turns out bitless she can breath more easily.

The bitless point is something two internal medicine specialist vets have now said to me is interesting. Technically a bit shouldn't interfere with breathing, but I wonder if that's in a healthy horse whereas for one with a restricted airway it just adds to the restriction.
 

CJoe

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Hi, wonder if anyone has any experiences to share.
3 yr old racehorse bred filly, just broken in but makes a noise, even in trot. Scoped to find there is too much flesh blocking the access to the wind pipes. Surgery not an option. Absolutely no future as a racehorse.
But, she is the sweetest little thing. As wide as she is tall. Very quiet, genuine. Would be a perfect show pony. I wonder if with another year to grow on, the wind issue could improve slightly? She is only just turning 3. And is frankly fat for a tb. Clutching at straws I know but just worth an ask. Xx
My chap had this issue and had laser surgery, continued in full time competition work.....now dealing with navicular instead lol
 
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