Transposition of the levator labii superioris muscle in two standing horses

Abstract

Oromaxillary fistulae are a complication of maxillary cheek teeth extraction in horses, particularly in cases where tooth repulsion is performed. Conservative treatment with debridement of the fistula, placement of a temporary alveolar plug and flushing of the sinus cavity can be unsuccessful. Transposition of the levator labii superioris muscle has been reported as an effective surgical option to treat chronic oromaxillary fistulae in anaesthetised horses. In this report, the surgical procedure was carried out on two standing horses, using sedation and local nerve blocks. Transposition of the levator labii superioris muscle can be safely and successfully performed in the standing sedated horse and may be considered for the management of cases with chronic refractory oromaxillary fistulae not responding to conservative treatment.