Utilization of stent in canine tracheal collapse

Abstract

Tracheal collapse occurs mainly in small breed dogs, with ages ranging 5-9 years old. Symptoms may include breathing difficulty, chronic dry cough, rales, dyspnea, cyanosis and syncope. Surgical treatment is indicated in patients that do not respond to medication and have an advanced degree of tracheal collapse (reduction of tracheal lumen of 50% or more) and when collapse occurs in the intra-thoracic portion of the organ. Less invasive surgical techniques are preferred for high-risk patients, consisting in the placement of a self-expanding stent in the tracheal lumen. In a 14-year-old Shitzu dog, weighing 9 kg, with grade 5 tracheal collapse, video-endoscopy and digitalized radiographs were performed to determine the length and diameter of the appropriate stent. A self-expanding platinol stent, 10 mm in diameter and 100 mm in length, was used. After surgery, recovery was quick, and the endotracheal tube could be removed after 5 minutes without difficulties. Respiratory improvement after surgery was immediate and without complications.