Surgical correction of wry nose in four horses.

OBJECTIVE

To describe surgical techniques used for correction of congenital nasal deviation (wry nose) in horses (wry nose) and to report outcome.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS: Horses (n=4), 5-17 months old with wry nose.

METHODS

Nasal deviation was corrected by transecting the premaxillae/maxillae and nasal bones at their site of maximum curvature and realigning and stabilizing the bones in a more normal alignment using internal fixation. The nasal septum was removed during the same anesthetic period.

RESULTS

For each horse, physical appearance was improved and respiratory stridor eliminated.

CONCLUSIONS

Wry nose can be corrected by transecting the premaxillae/maxillae and nasal bones and stabilizing the transected bones in a more normal alignment; the nasal septum can be removed concurrently.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical correction of wry nose may provide a good functional and cosmetic outcome.