DefinePK

Abstract

 A 10 year old ex race horse now three day eventing, was diagnosed with palatal instability (PI) by the author and presented with numerous behavioural issues which were thought to be associated with the condition. An oral palatopharyngoplasty was performed and following an eight week post operative rest period the horse resumed training. Over the following six months significant changes to the horses attitude and performance were observed and recorded including an apparent return to recumbent sleep, which had not been observed in the two years preceding surgery. The importance of including altered behaviour when working up suspected cases of upper airways obstruction in sports horses is discussed.