Alapexy: an alternative technique for repair of stenotic nares in dogs.

Alapexy involves the creation and apposition of two small elliptical incisions, which fix the alae in an abducted position. Permanent alapexy was achieved in four of five dogs (eight of nine nostrils) that were operated. Four animals had significant improvement in their respiratory efforts because of reduced nasal obstruction. Although the alapexy procedure was somewhat more difficult to perform than simple wedge resection techniques, it may be a viable option in those animals where other techniques have failed or in animals that have dystrophic or flaccid alar cartilage. The alapexy technique may also improve the diameter of the nares compared to previously described techniques.