Rhinotomy to access lesions within the nasal cavity of two horses

Summary Most lesions that affect the nasal cavity of the horse can be accessed via the nostril or via a frontonasal sinus flap but occasionally, surgical access to the mid-portion of the nasal cavity is necessary. This case report describes the use of a centrally based, 3-sided rhinotomy which provided good access to the ipsilateral nasal cavity and allowed for removal of abnormal tissue/foreign material in two horses. The nasal bone flap was preserved and only relatively mild intraoperative haemorrhage occurred which was controlled with nasal packing. Horses recovered well from surgery with an excellent long-term cosmetic result.