A Large Fronto-nasal-maxillary Bone Flap Technique for the Removal of an
Invasive Ethmoid Hematoma in a Horse
Abstract
An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented for evaluation and
investigation for recurrent unilateral epistaxis. Computer tomography
(CT) confirmed the presence of an invasive and expansive progressive
ethmoid hematoma (PEH) located in the right paranasal sinuses. The mass
invaded the right paranasal sinuses compartments causing moderate
leftward displacement of the nasal septum with subsequent collapse of
the left nasal passages, complete obliteration of the right ethmoid
turbinate, right infraorbital canal, and nasolacrimal duct. Also,
impingement of the axial margin of the right orbit. A large frontonasal
maxillary bone flap was performed standing under sedation and local
anesthesia and the PEH was removed successfully with minimal surgical
complications. The gelding made an unremarkable recovery from surgery
and progressed well after recovering from post operative
pleuropneumonia. Follow-up (25 months post operative) confirmed the
reoccurrence of the PEH, but the horse remained healthy in pasture turn
out.