To tie back or not to tie back?

[BigMick]

@zelle

I’ve been told that the worse it is, the BETTER the prognosis - since total paralysis means the flap won’t be trying to close. and then I was told that it doesn’t matter what grade it is by most recent studies. However she was never a Grade 2 or 3. She scoped a Grade 4 from the beginning. As far as I know, the level of paralysis is there from the start. As they get older, it’s probably harder for them to compensate though. Like you, I’m no vet and I could be wrong, but it’s my understanding that the grade level doesn’t change over time. That’s a great price. Was that recent?

i had my horse scoped in October of 2015 and he was a Grade 1. Six months later, he was a Grade 3. So it’s my understanding that it can progress. The way it was explained to me, is that a Grade 4 is harder to fix because the cartilage has begun to stiffen and set up in the “closed” position making it harder for the surgeon to pull it back. The surgeons want to get in there and pull it back before that cartilage starts to “set up/harden” (forgot the medical term, similar to ossify - but cartilage)

My horse had the procedure done in March 2016.

[twostinkydogs]

I had my horse scoped (not dynamic) and she is a grade 4. She is very exercise intolerant in the summer months but also a bit chubby. I had two consultations with surgeons at Leesburg in VA and New Bolton in PA. Leesburg was standing, I think the quote was around $2500. But my choice would have been Dr. Parenti at New Bolton at $3500. He was very knowledgeable and spent about 30 minutes on the phone with me. It is a 3 day thing. First day they do a dynamic scope, second day is surgery and third day they check on everything and do another scope. I came really close to moving forward but ultimately decided not to. But I don’t have big ambitions for her, nor is she capable, so our situations are different.

Best of luck to you, it is such a difficult decision. FWIW I know of 3 people who had excellent results with no issues.

[findeight]

OP, don’t put too much emphasis on what others paid for similar procedures. It varies by region, the vet practice you are using and experience of the vet vet performing it… Comparing a Grade 3 6 year old to your grade 4 12 year old 2k miles away isnt really helpful and shopping for a lower cost surgeon isn’t usually a great way to go.

Personally, I’d look for a vet of impeccable reputation who does alot of the procedures, not a general practice vet, and follow their recommendations tailored to your particular horses condition and needs. My understanding is the condition is progressive and don’t know any that have had it done on teenaged horses, no idea if it’s just normally done earlier in their careers or there could be additional concerns with an advanced condition on an older horse. No idea if that’s a factor or not but it’s something to ask a vet very familiar with the surgery about.

[melula]

I just had the procedure performed on a young TB. He went from a stage 2 in December to a stage 4 last month. I researched vets within the practice that I wanted to use and the procedure options. After the scope, vet gave his recommendation. I asked many questions about his recommendation vs. the other options and why his success rate is higher than the average.

We are three weeks post-op today. So far, no complications. He is eating and drinking without coughing. We’ve been cleared for walking only until he has another scope in two weeks.

My guy is young and was so affected by the paralysis that he could either have the surgery or become a trail horse. Surgery always has risk but it would hurt my heart to ask pony for maximum participation with only half the air. Sounds like your mare has a ton of try. I’d probably lean toward the surgery.

[jonem004]

Side question- Does the accompanying cordectomy (if done) prevent a horse from vocalizing?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@jonem004

Side question- Does the accompanying cordectomy (if done) prevent a horse from vocalizing?

No but they do sound a little different