Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
A dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in the horse.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2005
- Authors:
- Shoemaker, Ryan W et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at a surgical method for removing part of the nasal septum in adult horses, which is the wall that separates the nostrils. The surgery was done on four horses that had trouble breathing due to issues like injury or growths in the nasal area. The procedure involved making an opening in the bone at the top of the nose, which allowed the veterinarians to easily access and remove the problem area while keeping bleeding under control. All the horses had the abnormal part of their septum successfully taken out, and their owners reported good cosmetic results, with the horses returning to their normal activities without any breathing problems. Overall, this approach seems to be effective and safe for horses needing this type of surgery.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a technique involving a dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Four client-owned horses. METHODS: Access for partial nasal septum resection was through a dorsal nasal bone flap. Septum resection was performed because of reduced airflow from septal deviation and/or thickening caused by traumatic insult or neoplasia. Preoperative clinical signs and diagnostic results were recorded. Intra- and postoperative complications were noted and follow-up information was obtained from telephone interviews of owners or by clinical examination. RESULTS: The abnormal segment of the nasal septum was completely removed in all horses. A dorsal nasal bone flap approach provided excellent access to the septum and allowed immediate control of hemorrhage; blood transfusion was not needed. Cosmetic results were considered good to excellent by owners and horses returned to their previous level of work without perceived limitations associated with airway function. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal septum resection by the dorsal approach permits good observation of the abnormal septum, and provides exposure that facilitates removal of nasal masses and reduction of depression fractures with minimal complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A dorsal nasal bone flap approach should be considered for horses that require nasal septum resection because it can be achieved with minimal hemorrhage, good cosmetic results, and return to function.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16343159/