Tongue Ties in horses, performance enhancing or hindering?
Tongue Ties in Racehorses: Understanding Their Usage, Efficacy, and Implications
In the world of horse racing, performance-enhancing strategies are continually explored to give horses an edge. One such practice is the use of tongue ties (TTs), a elasticated device designed to tie a horse's tongue to its lower jaw to prevent it from moving excessively. This is often done to aid in controlling the horse and managing respiratory disorders, such as dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), a condition that affects breathing and performance. However, the use of TTs has raised concerns about animal welfare, leading to their ban in some equestrian disciplines. This blog post delves into three scientific studies that examine the prevalence, efficacy, and implications of tongue ties in racehorses.
1. Prevalence of Tongue Tie Use in Australian Thoroughbred Racehorses
The first study focuses on the prevalence and usage patterns of tongue ties in Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses in Australia (Noschka et al. 2021). Between 2010 and 2013, data was collected from 728,678 race starts, involving 62,377 horses and 4,927 trainers across 402 venues in Australia. The study revealed that tongue ties were used in approximately 21.4% of all race starts, with significant variations in usage based on location, race type, and individual trainer practices.
At the individual horse level, 32.2% wore a tongue tie at least once, and 7.6% used it consistently in every recorded race. Interestingly, while 71.3% of trainers used tongue ties on at least one horse, only 1.4% used them systematically across all horses. This suggests that trainers are selective in applying tongue ties, potentially assessing each horse's specific needs before deciding on their use. Compared to the United Kingdom, where tongue ties have been said to about 5% of starts, the Australian frequency is considerably higher. This discrepancy highlights differing approaches to the management of racehorses and their performance strategies between countries.
2. Efficacy of Tongue Ties in Horses with Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP)
The second study examines whether tongue ties are effective in preventing dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), a condition that affects a horse's breathing during intense exercise. DDSP occurs when the soft palate displaces upwards, partially blocking the horse's airway and impeding airflow, which can lead to reduced performance and fatigue (FRANKLIN, NAYLOR and LANE, 2010).
This study involved six Thoroughbred racehorses diagnosed with DDSP, undergoing high-intensity treadmill exercise both with and without a tongue tie in place. Videoendoscopic recordings and respiratory airflow measurements were used to assess the horses' performance. Without tongue ties, all six horses experienced DDSP during exercise. However, when tongue ties were applied, only four horses exhibited DDSP, showing mixed results if tongue ties do prevent the condition in horses.
Interestingly, while tongue ties reduced the incidence of DDSP in some cases, they did not significantly improve run-time to fatigue or enhance respiratory variables, such as airflow or oxygen intake. Therefore, while tongue ties could possibly prevent DDSP in some horses, their overall efficacy in enhancing respiratory function and performance remains questionable. The results align with anecdotal reports that tongue ties work for some horses but are not a guaranteed solution.
3. Do Tongue Ties Improve Upper Airway Function in Racehorses?
The third study takes a closer look at the impact of tongue ties on upper airway function in racehorses, specifically focusing on their effect on pharyngeal diameter and the prevention of dynamic airway obstructions like DDSP (Barton et al. 2022). Conducted on 30 racehorses (22 Thoroughbreds and 8 Standardbreds), this crossover blinded clinical study analyzed data using overground endoscopy under full-intensity exercise with and without the use of tongue ties.
The study hypothesized that tongue ties would increase the pharyngeal diameter and reduce dynamic airway obstruction. However, the findings did not support this hypothesis. Although the pharyngeal-epiglottis (PE) ratio increased significantly from rest to full-intensity exercise, this increase was diminished when a tongue tie was applied. Furthermore, the tongue ties did not significantly impact maximum laryngeal width or area. The occurrence of DDSP was also minimal and comparable with or without the use of tongue ties, indicating no significant improvement in airway stability.
These results suggest that tongue ties do not provide a measurable benefit in widening the upper airways or preventing dynamic airway obstructions such as DDSP in racehorses. Consequently, this study does not support the widespread use of tongue ties as an effective tool for enhancing upper airway function.
Conclusion: The Debate Over Tongue Tie Use in Racehorses
The use of tongue ties in racehorses is a common practice, particularly in regions like Australia, where their use is more prevalent compared to other countries such as the United Kingdom. While some trainers believe in their potential benefits for controlling horses and managing conditions like DDSP, the scientific evidence on their efficacy is mixed.
The studies reviewed suggest that while tongue ties may help prevent DDSP in some horses, they are not universally effective, nor do they improve overall respiratory performance or upper airway function. Additionally, concerns over the welfare implications of using tongue ties, such as potential discomfort and stress to the horse, warrant careful consideration.
As the racing industry continues to change, the use of tongue ties remains a topic of debate. Further research is needed to understand fully the long-term effects of tongue ties on horse health and welfare and to explore alternative methods for managing respiratory disorders in racehorses. Until then, trainers and veterinarians must weigh the potential benefits against the ethical considerations when deciding to use tongue ties.
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References
Barton, A. K., Troppenz, A., Klaus, D., Lindenberg, I., Merle, R. and Gehlen, H., (2022). Tongue ties do not widen the upper airways in racehorses. Equine Veterinary Journal [online]. [Viewed 13 September 2024]. Available from: doi: 10.1111/evj.13867
FRANKLIN, S. H., NAYLOR, J. R. J. and LANE, J. G., (2010). The effect of a tongue-tie in horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Equine Veterinary Journal [online]. 34(S34), 430–433. [Viewed 13 September 2024]. Available from: doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05461.
Noschka, E., Porter, D., Franklin, S. and Caraguel, C., (2021). Tongue‐tie use in Thoroughbred racehorses in Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal [online]. 99(8), 344–350. [Viewed 13 September 2024]. Available from: doi: 10.1111/avj.13079