A Retrospective Study of 20 Surgically Managed Cases of Collapsed Trachea

Abstract

Collapsed trachea was repaired by total ring prostheses in 20 miniature breed dogs. The average duration of respiratory disease prior to surgery was two years. Prior to surgery, 90% of the dogs coughed. Fifteen had episodes of dyspnea and/or cyanosis. Laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed preoperatively in six dogs. Common isolates from preoperative pharyngeal cultures included Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli . Radiographs of the trachea helped establish a diagnosis in only 59% of the dogs. Tracheoscopy confirmed the diagnosis in all cases. Pulmonary interstitial disease and biventricular or right ventricular cardiac enlargement were common radiographic findings. Surgery follow‐up ranged from four months to four years. At the time of follow‐up, most dogs coughed less, breathed better, were more active, and had fewer episodes of tracheobronchitis. Eighty‐five percent of the owners felt their dog responded well to the surgery. A grading system for collapsed trachea is described.