Combined Rostrolateral Rhinotomy for Removal of Rostral Nasal Septum Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Long-Term Outcome in 10 Dogs.

Objective: To report a surgical technique for combined rostrolateral rhinotomy (vestibulotomy) and long-term outcome for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rostral nasal septum in dogs.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: Medium sized, mixed breed dogs (n = 10), aged 7-12.5 years, with SCC of the rostral nasal septum that did not invade the superficial nasal planum.

Methods: Disease extent was assessed with computed tomography and tumor resection achieved solely with central nasal planum elevation and lateral rhinotomy. Owners were interviewed 60-2,555 days (median, 548 days) postoperatively to determine outcome and survival time.

Results: Vestibulotomy facilitated full-thickness resection of the nasal septum and tumor mass in 10 dogs and nasal floor resection in 4 dogs. There were no major intraoperative complications and all dogs had an excellent cosmetic outcome. Tumor removal was complete in 8 dogs and incomplete in 2 dogs. There was no recurrence in 6 dogs. Of the 4 dogs with recurrence, 3 had required nasal floor resection at initial surgery.

Conclusions: A combined rostrolateral rhinotomy technique may be used to achieve complete resection of SCC limited to the nasal septum with acceptable cosmetic results. This technique may not be suitable for tumors extending into the nasal floor.