Correcting Campylorrhinus Lateralis in a Foal by Bone Distraction: A Case Report.
Authors: Rangel Julia P P, de Oliveira Alvaro P L, Baiotto Gustavo C, Junior Odael Spadeto, Figueiró Giuliano M, Araujo Anderson L, Rossi Junior João L
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Correcting Campylorrhinus Lateralis in a Foal by Bone Distraction Wry nose (campylorrhinus lateralis) is a congenital maxillary deviation that compromises both airway function and dental occlusion, yet surgical correction protocols remain poorly documented in the equine literature. A 2-month-old Mangalarga Marchador foal presenting with rightward maxillary deviation, incisor malocclusion, and respiratory noise underwent unilateral osteotomy of the right maxilla with application of an external bone distractor—a technique not previously reported for this specific deformity. Following 90 days of distraction osteogenesis, the device was removed with substantial resolution of incisor malocclusion and complete elimination of respiratory noise. This case demonstrates that bone distraction offers a viable surgical approach to correct the skeletal deviation underlying wry nose whilst allowing for gradual bony remodelling, though the timing of intervention and long-term follow-up outcomes warrant further investigation. For practitioners managing foals with this condition, this technique presents an evidence-based option where conventional approaches may prove inadequate, particularly in cases with pronounced maxillary deviation affecting respiratory function.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Bone distraction via external fixation is a viable surgical option for correcting wry nose in young foals, offering improvement in both respiratory function and dental occlusion
- •Early surgical intervention in 2-month-old foals can successfully resolve this congenital deformity before it causes secondary respiratory or feeding complications
- •The 90-day treatment timeline should be communicated to owners when planning surgical correction of campylorrhinus lateralis
Key Findings
- •Bone distraction technique with unilateral osteotomy successfully corrected maxillae deviation in a 2-month-old foal over 90 days
- •Surgical correction eliminated respiratory noises and greatly improved incisor malocclusion
- •External bone distractor was removed after 90 days with successful outcomes in a Mangalarga Marchador breed foal