Hobday

Hobday refers to a surgical procedure used primarily in horses, officially known as ventriculocordectomy. It involves the removal of the vocal cord and/or ventricle of the larynx. The goal is to widen the airway and reduce or eliminate abnormal noises during respiration, specifically the "roaring" sound associated with laryngeal hemiplegia.

Laryngeal hemiplegia is a condition where the nerves that control the muscles of the larynx (voice box) become paralyzed, typically on the left side. This paralysis prevents the arytenoid cartilage from fully abducting (opening) during inhalation, leading to airway obstruction and the characteristic roaring sound, particularly during exercise.

The Hobday procedure is one of several surgical options for treating laryngeal hemiplegia. It aims to improve airflow by removing tissue that might be obstructing the airway due to the paralyzed larynx. It can be performed endoscopically or via an external approach. While the Hobday procedure can reduce the roaring sound, it may not fully restore normal respiratory function and can potentially lead to other complications. Other surgical techniques such as laryngoplasty ("tie-back") are often favored due to potentially better long-term outcomes, although the choice of procedure depends on the individual case and the veterinarian's assessment.