T S Taylor

Evaluation of a Laryngotomy Approach for Near‐Total Resection of the Nasal Septum in the Horse

OBJECTIVEnTo report a laryngotomy approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses.nnnSTUDY DESIGNnDescriptive study.nnnANIMALSnHorses (n = 10).nnnMETHODSnNear-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.nnnRESULTSnNear-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.nnnCONCLUSIONSnA laryngotomy approach is safe and expedient for near-total resection of the nasal septum with minimal complications.