title: A dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in the horse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe and evaluate a technique involving a dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective clinical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. shoemaker@usask.ca
authors.forename: Ryan W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Shoemaker
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Fretz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome