Removal of the premaxillae and rostral portions of the maxillae of a horse.

The incisive bones (premaxillae) and rostral portions of the maxillae of a horse were infected with dermatiaceous fungi causing phaeohyphomycosis. The pre-maxillae were exposed by creating and reflecting labial and palatal mucoperiosteal flaps, and obstetrical wire was used to remove the affected bones. Labial and palatal flaps were apposed in 2 layers, using absorbable sutures. The sutured wound healed without complication. The horse was able to prehend hay and long grass without difficulty, and the owner considered the horse's facial appearance to be nearly normal. This technique may be useful for removal of diseased premaxillae of horses that cannot be treated by more conservative means.