Effect of two rhinoplasty techniques combined with vestibuloplasty on the cross-sectional area of the rostral nasal cavity in brachycephalic dogs with stenotic nares.

[OBJECTIVE] To compare preoperative and postoperative cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the external nares and nasal vestibule on computed tomography (CT) transverse sections in brachycephalic dogs that underwent a vestibuloplasty in combination with either a Trader's technique or vertical wedge resection rhinoplasty.

[METHODS] Medical records and corresponding preoperative and postoperative head computed tomographic images were reviewed to measure CSA at two defined points on transverse sections of the nasal cavities.

[RESULTS] Nine brachycephalic dogs were included for analysis. Trader's technique and vestibuloplasty were performed in five dogs. Vertical wedge resection and vestibuloplasty were performed in four dogs. CSAs were significantly increased in all rostral nasal cavities postoperatively in both combination of techniques. The mean difference in CSA of the right and left external nares were 37.12 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.59, 49.66) and 64.3 mm (95% CI 28.78, 60. 04), respectively. The mean difference in CSA of the right and left nasal vestibules were 25.08 mm (95% CI 11.44, 38.73) and 28.73 mm (95% CI 11.83, 45.64), respectively.

[CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE] Vestibuloplasty in combination with either Trader's technique or vertical wedge resection significantly increased the CSA of the external nares and nasal vestibules. These techniques did not result in recurrent stenosis or collapse of the alar wings in all evaluated rostral nasal cavities in this case series.