Cyst in a Horse's Nasal Cavity

If your horse's face swells, he has trouble breathing, and mucus flows from his nose, he may suffer from a nasal or sinus cyst.

  1. Anatomy

    • Horses have six pairs of sinus cavities. Fluids drain from these cavities through small passageways into the horse's nasal cavity and then out through its nostrils. The roots of the horse's upper teeth intrude into the already-small passageways. This complex anatomy, with its constrained drainage system, can lead to problems such as fluid-filled cysts.

    Significance

    • Horses breathe only through their noses. They cannot breathe through their mouths. Any obstruction of the nasal passages, such as a cyst, can become a serious health issue if left untreated.

    Symptoms and Diagnosis

    • Facial swelling or deformity, problems breathing, and mucus coming from the horse's nose flag a potential cyst. Your veterinarian may use an endoscope, an instrument that lets him see inside the horse's nose, to look in the airways. Your vet may also use an X-ray to diagnose the problem.

    Treatment and Outcome

    • Your vet will likely use surgery to remove the cyst. Some cases call for surgery through a flap cut into the horse's face, while others call for endoscopic surgery. Most horses recovery from surgery and the effects of the cyst.