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.