RARE COMPLICATION OF SINUS SURGERY INVESTIGATED
In horses, paranasal sinus surgery—which involves opening the skull at the front of the face— is sometimes needed to remove cysts, tumors, diseased molars or ethmoidal hematomas. But a new study warns of a rare but potentially devastating complication: persistent headshaking.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reviewed the cases of five horses who developed headshaking within 45 days of paranasal sinus surgery. Only two improved with treatment and were able to return to work. One horse was euthanatized because the headshaking could not be controlled.
The researchers note that damage during sinus surgery to the trigeminal nerve that runs over the face is the most likely cause of this postoperative complication. Reference: “Headshaking in five horses after paranasal sinus surgery,” Veterinary Surgery, April 2014