Racehorse Tie-Back Surgery Recovery: Suture Type

Racehorses sometimes experience paralysis of laryngeal cartilage structures, a condition that can partially block the airway and negatively impact racing performance. Treatment of this problem, known as tie-back surgery, involves pulling the cartilage away from the airway and suturing it into a position that allows the free passage of air as the horse breathes during strenuous exercise.

Various types of material including standard sutures and plastic cable ties have been used to secure the cartilage, with varied success in keeping the tissue in place after the surgery. Lycra sutures, which have more elasticity than rigid ties, have been used with good results in some horses.

A report published in Equine Veterinary Journal indicated that Thoroughbred racehorses have a good prognosis for racing when Lycra sutures are used in tie-back procedures, with post-surgery increases in both performance index and Beyer Speed Figures. Use of Lycra sutures led to a lower surgical failure rate and fewer postoperative complications than when other materials were used in the procedure.