Wind operations are a type of surgical procedure performed on horses in order to correct breathing issues. These surgeries can be used to treat a variety of respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), and laryngeal hemiplegia (or “roaring”). The goal of a wind operation is to improve the horse’s ability to breathe and increase their overall performance and health. In this article, we will explore what a wind operation does to a horse, including the types of surgeries, the risks, and the recovery process.
Types of Wind Operations
There are two main types of wind operations: laryngoplasty and bronchoplasty.
Laryngoplasty
Laryngoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to correct laryngeal hemiplegia, also known as “roaring.” This condition occurs when the arytenoid cartilages on the horse’s larynx become paralyzed, which causes the horse to produce a loud and raspy sound while breathing. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the horse’s throat and sew the cartilages back together.
Bronchoplasty
Bronchoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). This procedure involves the removal of excess tissue from the horse’s bronchi, which are the airways that carry air to the lungs. The surgeon will make an incision in the horse’s chest and use a camera to view the airways and remove the excess tissue.
Risks of Wind Operations
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with wind operations. The most common risks include:
- Infection: The horse may develop an infection at the site of the incision, which can lead to further complications.
- Damage to surrounding tissue: The surgeon may accidentally damage the surrounding tissue during the procedure.
- Anesthesia complications: The horse may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia or may not recover from the anesthesia as quickly as expected.
- Respiratory complications: The horse may experience difficulty breathing after the surgery due to swelling or irritation of the airways.
Recovery from Wind Operations
The recovery process from a wind operation will depend on the type of procedure that was performed and the horse’s individual health. Generally speaking, the horse should be kept in a quiet and comfortable environment after the surgery to allow for proper healing. The horse will also need to be monitored closely for any signs of infection or other complications.
Medications
The horse will likely be prescribed medications to help manage pain and reduce inflammation. These medications may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or antibiotics.
Activity Restrictions
The horse will need to be restricted from strenuous activity for at least two weeks after the surgery. This includes exercise, turnout, and other activities that can put strain on the horse’s respiratory system.
Diet
The horse will need to be fed a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. This will help ensure that the horse is getting the nutrients it needs for healing, while also reducing the strain on the digestive system.
Benefits of Wind Operations
The primary benefit of wind operations is that they can improve the horse’s respiratory health and performance. These surgeries can reduce the symptoms of respiratory diseases, such as COPD and RAO, and can help the horse to breathe more easily. This can improve the horse’s overall health and performance, as well as reduce their risk of respiratory complications.
Conclusion
Wind operations can be an effective way to treat respiratory diseases in horses. These surgeries can improve the horse’s breathing and performance, while also reducing their risk of respiratory complications. It is important to understand the types of surgeries, the risks, and the recovery process in order to ensure that the horse is receiving the best care possible.