Nasal Septoplasty for Correction of Septal Deviation in a Foal

OBJECTIVE: This article reports an alternative to septal resection in nasal septal deviations involving the rostral 7 to 10 cm of the nasal septum. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. SAMPLE POPULATION: One client-owned foal. METHODS: A nasal approach with mucosal elevation was used to gain access to the cartilaginous portion of the nasal septum. Once exposed, a series of parasagittal incisions in the cartilage allowed the septum to be repositioned while providing some intrinsic stabilization. RESULTS: The nasal approach provided good access to the rostral 7 cm of the nasal septum. The technique resulted in minimal hemorrhage from the site. Bleeding was reduced with the use of ephedrine to vasoconstrict the mucosal vessels, and primary closure of the mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an intrinsically stabilized septoplasty should be considered as a means of decreasing the airway obstruction caused by nasal septal deviation in foals while allowing for normal development of facial contour.