Surgical Correction of Wry Nose in Four Horses

Abstract

To describe surgical techniques used for correction of congenital nasal deviation (wry nose) in horses (wry nose) and to report outcome. Retrospective study. Horses (n=4), 5-17 months old with wry nose. 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. For each horse, physical appearance was improved and respiratory stridor eliminated. 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. Surgical correction of wry nose may provide a good functional and cosmetic outcome.