Collapsing Trachea Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

A collapsing trachea, also known as tracheal collapse, is a condition where the airway narrows and collapses, making it difficult to breathe.

This condition is often caused by chronic coughing or straining, which can weaken the trachea's cartilage and lead to its collapse.

The symptoms of a collapsing trachea can be quite distressing, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

In severe cases, a collapsing trachea can even lead to respiratory failure if left untreated.

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Tracheal collapse is a serious condition that affects some dogs, particularly small breeds like Pomeranians, Miniature and Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pugs. These breeds are genetically predisposed to the condition.

Tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea, or windpipe, becomes weakened and collapses, leading to respiratory distress. This can be triggered by various factors, including obesity, humid weather, and activities like drinking water or exercising.

Difficulty breathing is a common sign of tracheal collapse, and you may notice your dog coughing when they're picked up or when pressure is applied to their neck. Vomiting, gagging, or retching associated with coughing can also occur.

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The cough caused by tracheal collapse is usually non-productive, meaning there's no phlegm, and it's not accompanied by fever. However, it can be violent and last for several minutes.

Tracheal collapse is classified into four grades, ranging from mild to severe:

Consult with your vet if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog. They'll take a thorough history, perform a physical examination, and may conduct tests like chest X-rays, tracheoscopy or bronchoscopy, or fluoroscopy to determine the best course of treatment.

The main goal of collapsing trachea surgery is to evaluate the outcomes of a specific treatment.

Researchers focused on cross-and-hook braided stent implantation in dogs with tracheal collapse.

This treatment has shown promising results in improving clinical signs and reducing postoperative complications.

A total of 26 stents were placed in the study, with 20 dogs receiving one stent and the remaining two dogs receiving two or more stents.

All dogs survived the procedure and were eventually discharged from the hospital.

The median survival time after the procedure was 879 days, based on a median follow-up of 990 days.

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To determine if a dog is a good candidate for tracheal stenting surgery, a thorough case selection process is essential. A retrospective review of 22 dogs referred to a veterinary center for tracheal collapse grade III or higher was conducted.

These dogs were all undergoing medical management at the time of referral, but it had proven ineffective. In addition to chest radiography, dynamic airway imaging was used to confirm the diagnosis of tracheal collapse.

The imaging procedure, which took only three to five breaths, was performed while the dog was awake and in the lower right lateral position. Data collected from the medical records included age, sex, breed, weight, radiographic results, and concomitant diseases.

A scoring system was used to evaluate the cough and associated clinical status before and after stent placement. The scores ranged from 0, indicating no coughing, to 4, indicating severe coughing that prevents sleep and causes breathing difficulties.

A Nitinol cross-and-hook braided self-expanding metal stent is used in all cases of tracheal stent placement.

Chest radiography is performed on dogs within 72 hours before and after tracheal stent placement to monitor the procedure's success.

The stent diameter is chosen to be between 10% and 20% of the maximum diameter in the affected area.

The length of the stent can vary depending on the case, either matching the length of the collapsed site or the maximum length of the trachea.

The stent is placed in a way that prevents contact with the larynx and carina to ensure proper function.

Because this stent is cross-and-hook braided, each cell is not only diamond shaped but also has an independent shape.

The clinical outcome of collapsing trachea surgery is a crucial aspect to consider. A total of 26 stents were placed, with 90.9% of dogs receiving one stent and the remaining 9.1% receiving two or more stents.

All dogs survived the procedure and were eventually discharged. The median survival time at a median follow-up of 990 days was 879 days.

Significant improvements in clinical signs and postoperative complications were observed. A total of 100% of dogs showed loss or mild healing of cough, and 100% showed improvement in goose-honking and dyspnea at the final follow-up examination.

Significant improvements in clinical signs and postoperative complications were observed. The procedure was successful, with all 22 dogs experiencing loss or mild healing of cough.

A total of 26 stents were placed, with 20 dogs receiving one stent and the remaining two dogs receiving two or more stents. This indicates that the stent placement was effective in addressing the collapsing trachea issue.

All dogs survived the procedure and were eventually discharged. This is a positive outcome, showing that the surgery is generally safe.

The median survival time at a median follow-up of 990 days was 879 days. This suggests that the surgery has a long-term positive impact on the dogs' health.

At the final follow-up examination, improvement in goose-honking (100% [7/7]) and dyspnea (100% [3/3]) were reported. This indicates that the surgery not only improves cough but also other symptoms associated with collapsing trachea.

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Small breed dogs like Yorkshire terriers, Poodles, and Pomeranians are prone to tracheal collapse due to a progressive weakening of the tracheal rings.

Tracheal collapse is caused by a weakening of the cartilage rings, which can be due to a lack of chondroitin sulfate in the tracheal rings.

Dogs with tracheal collapse may also have Cushing's disease, a condition where the adrenal gland produces too much steroid, which can further weaken the cartilage rings.

Surgery is a good option when medical treatment is not effective, and the prognosis is good following surgery.

The trachea is made up of many "C"-shaped cartilage rings and a dorsal tracheal ligament that connects them to form a complete tube.

Here are some common complications that can arise from tracheal collapse:

To prevent complications, it's essential to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include cough suppressants, pain medication, antibiotics, exercise restriction, and weight reduction.

A harness instead of a neck collar can also help prevent further strain on the trachea.

The trachea is a tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs, measuring about 4-5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.

It's made up of 15-20 cartilaginous rings that provide support and keep the trachea open.

The trachea is lined with mucous membranes that produce mucus to trap dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles.

The trachea is also surrounded by muscles that help to move the air in and out of the lungs.

Each cartilaginous ring is C-shaped and provides a flexible yet stable structure that allows the trachea to expand and contract with breathing.

The trachea is a critical part of the respiratory system, and any damage or blockage can lead to serious health issues.

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