Ventral rhinotomy in the dog and cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Comparative Surgical Techniques
• Small Animal Medicine

Background:

• Nasal cavity exploration is crucial for diagnosing various conditions in dogs and cats.
• Dorsal rhinotomy is a common surgical approach, but it can be associated with significant morbidity.
• Alternative surgical techniques are needed to improve outcomes and patient tolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ventral rhinotomy for surgical exploration of the nasal cavities in dogs and cats.
• To compare the surgical exposure, complications, and cosmetic results of ventral rhinotomy with those of dorsal rhinotomy.

Main Methods:

• Surgical exploration of the nasal cavities was performed using ventral rhinotomy in 14 dogs and three cats.
• Surgical exposure was assessed and compared qualitatively to dorsal rhinotomy.
• Postoperative complications, patient morbidity, and long-term survival were monitored.

Main Results:

• Ventral rhinotomy provided surgical exposure comparable to dorsal rhinotomy.
• One animal experienced a fatal complication (gastric ulcer perforation) unrelated to the rhinotomy procedure.
• The remaining animals recovered well with no significant complications, and long-term survival was consistent with disease prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Ventral rhinotomy is a technically feasible and safe surgical approach for nasal cavity exploration in dogs and cats.
• This technique offers comparable exposure to dorsal rhinotomy with potentially lower patient morbidity and improved cosmetic results.
• Ventral rhinotomy represents a valuable alternative surgical option in veterinary nasal surgery.