Long‐term outcome of horses undergoing surgical correction of wry nose ( <i>Campylorrhinus lateralis</i> ): A retrospective study

Summary Background Campylorrhinus lateralis , or wry nose, is a rare congenital maxillofacial deformity of foals that can impair nursing, grazing, mastication, respiration and long‐term welfare. Surgery to correct this deformity has been described, but published reports focus primarily on operative techniques and short‐term outcomes and provide no information about long‐term success from the owner's perspective. Objectives This study aimed to assess long‐term outcomes of horses that have undergone surgical correction of wry nose by integrating surgeons' and owners' perspectives, focusing on functional outcome, cosmetic appearance, postoperative complications and perceived welfare. Study design Retrospective study. Methods Two web‐based questionnaires were distributed to surgeons who performed surgery to correct wry nose and to the owners of horses that underwent this procedure. Surveys collected information about surgical technique, postoperative complications, functional outcomes and surgeon and owner satisfaction. Only horses with complete paired surgeon–owner responses were included ( n = 9). Data were analysed for descriptive statistics. Results All horses were reported by owners to have severe or very severe deviation of the premaxillae and impaired respiration prior to surgery. The most common postoperative complication reported was infection at the site where the transected nasal bones were stabilised with plates. Postoperatively, most horses exhibited normal breathing at rest and adequate respiratory capacity when exercising. All were able to graze and maintain body condition, and the majority ( n = 7) returned to their intended use. Owners and surgeons expressed a high satisfaction with the horse's cosmetic appearance. The owners perceived that the surgery improved the horse's welfare and was likely to increase its longevity. Main limitations Small sample size may have limited the generalisability of this study. Conclusions Surgery to correct wry nose can provide lasting functional and cosmetic benefits. Integrating the owners' and surgeons' perspectives offers valuable insights for deciding whether to have surgery performed to correct wry nose.