A dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in the horse

Endoscope-assisted three-wire technique for extensive nasal septum resection in horses

OBJECTIVE

To describe a 3-wire method with endoscopic guidance for extensive nasal septum resection.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Thirteen horses with nasal septum diseases.

METHODS

In anesthetized horses in left lateral recumbency, endoscopic guidance was used to place obstetrical wires for the ventral and caudal incisions in the nasal septum and a trephine opening was used to place the dorsal wire. The rostral aspect of the septum was incised with a scalpel, followed by incisions with the preplaced wires, and the nasal passages were packed with gauze. Horses were recovered with a temporary tracheotomy.

RESULTS

Conversion to intraoral placement of wires was required in two horses, one to correct entangled wires and the other because hemorrhage obscured the endoscopic view. Exercise tolerance was improved postoperatively, abnormal respiratory noise was decreased or eliminated by surgery in all horses, and all owners were satisfied. One Thoroughbred racehorse performed with modest success.

CONCLUSIONS

Modification of the 3-wire method was effective and safe for extensive nasal septum removal. Technical complications of the procedure include entangling of wires and intraoperative hemorrhage.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Endoscopic guidance can be used to place obstetrical wires for nasal septum resection in small horses and precludes use of a large tracheotomy for anesthetic delivery. Reasons for athletic failures were difficult to establish retrospectively, although assessment of postoperative noise at speed might be more relevant to recovery of athletic potential than assessment at slower gaits.

Evaluation of a laryngotomy approach for near-total resection of the nasal septum in the horse

OBJECTIVE

To report a laryngotomy approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive study.

ANIMALS

Horses (n = 10).

METHODS

Near-total resection of the nasal septum was made using a modification of a previously reported 3-wire technique using a trephination approach and a 2-wire technique using a laryngotomy approach. Surgical time, ease of technique, complications, and outcome were recorded. At 45 days, horses were euthanatized and septal measurements made.

RESULTS

Near-total resection of the nasal septum was accomplished with both techniques without complications. Incisional complications occurred in the trephination group and transient granulation tissue formation near the rostral stump occurred in the laryngotomy group. The laryngotomy technique was technically easier and resulted in a more cosmetic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

A laryngotomy approach is safe and expedient for near-total resection of the nasal septum with minimal complications.

Imaging diagnosis--equine nasal septal thickening due to chronic chondritis

We describe the use of computed tomography (CT) in a 6-year-old mare with upper airway obstruction due to an abnormally thick nasal septum. Upon CT imaging, multifocal, expansile cyst-like lesions were detected in the nasal septum. The histopathologic diagnosis was chronic dissecting chondritis. Resection of the abnormal nasal septum resulted in resolution of the clinical signs.