Page 670 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

sedation or general anaesthesia. In order to assist subsequent drainage, a hole (fistula)

may be artificially created between the sinus and the nasal cavity.
VetBooks.ir • Cysts and ethmoid haematomas are surgically removed through a bone flap (Figure

15.10).
• Infected cheek teeth should be removed. The hole which is left between the sinus and the

mouth is then filled with dental wax to prevent food material entering the sinus cavity.
The sinus is flushed for a few days post operatively. Complications are relatively

common following dental extraction.
• Tumours are rare and they are usually malignant. As they tend to occur in older animals,

euthanasia is often the kindest option.

• Fungal infections are treated with twice daily flushing with an antifungal drug through an
in-dwelling catheter.

• Traumatic injuries may be treated conservatively with antibiotic cover in some cases.
Surgery may be necessary to remove bone fragments and foreign material from the

sinuses if there is an open fracture. With depression fractures, surgery can be carried out
to lift the bone into more normal alignment for a better cosmetic result.

• In all cases, feeding from the floor assists sinus drainage.