Epiglottopexy for the treatment of epiglottic retroversion in 2 horses

Objective To report an epiglottopexy technique for the treatment of epiglottic retroversion (ER) in 2 horses. Study design Case report. Animals A 2-year-old thoroughbred gelding and a 6-year-old standardbred gelding, both with ER. Methods Epiglottic retroversion was diagnosed via exercising endoscopic examination in both horses. Epiglottopexy technique was performed in both cases. Results Both horses returned to previous racing class within 1 year after surgery. Repeat exercising endoscopy of 1 horse 6 months postoperatively revealed resolution of the ER. Conclusion Epiglottopexy should be considered for treatment of ER in the equine athlete. Clinical significance Previously reported surgical techniques for ER in the equine athlete have not resulted in horses returning to previous performance level. The technique reported here resulted in both horses achieving athletic status.