## Overview Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) is intermittent obstruction of the upper airway during exercise caused by the soft palate moving dorsal to the epiglottis. It is a leading cause of respiratory noise and poor performance in racehorses and other high-speed athletes. ## Causes Neuromuscular dysfunction, inflammation, or fatigue of the muscles that stabilize the palate and larynx. ## Diagnosis Dynamic endoscopy during exercise. ## Treatment Conservative measures or surgery (tie-forward has higher reported success than myectomy in many series). ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable but often favorable with appropriate intervention. ## Prevention Control of lower-airway inflammation and fitness management.
gurgling respiratory noise during exercise; sudden exercise intolerance; choking down at speed
## Overview Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) is intermittent obstruction of the upper airway during exercise caused by the soft palate moving dorsal to the epiglottis. It is a leading cause of respiratory noise and poor performance in racehorses and other high-speed athletes. ## Causes Neuromuscular dysfunction, inflammation, or fatigue of the muscles that stabilize the palate and larynx. ## Diagnosis Dynamic endoscopy during exercise. ## Treatment Conservative measures or surgery (tie-forward has higher reported success than myectomy in many series). ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable but often favorable with appropriate intervention. ## Prevention Control of lower-airway inflammation and fitness management.
gurgling respiratory noise during exercise; sudden exercise intolerance; choking down at speed