Tracheal resection and anastomosis: treatment of intratracheal osteochondral dysplasia in a canine

Abstract

A canine puppy came in for consultation showing the following symptoms: acute respiratory failure, cyanosis of mucous membranes, inspiratory stridor, orthopnea posture, mouth open at all times, and inspiratory dyspnea, indicating a reduction in the upper airway clearance. The animal arrived with an x-ray showing a suspected diagnosis of tracheal collapse, but during the physical examination, it collapsed and had syncope. When an endotracheal tube was placed, there was resistance to the tube passage. Then it was decided to use a modified tracheoscopy technique. Images compatible with an endotracheal mass obstructing 75 % of the organ light were observed, and it was decided to perform its tracheal resection and anastomosis, meeting the surgical criteria of the technique. Three tracheal rings and the dorsal membrane along with the mass were resected and sent to the histopathology laboratory which confirmed the osteochondral dysplasia diagnosis. The animal was kept for eight days with a muzzle, neck bandage and a suture from the muzzle to the bandage to prevent the neck from extending. After 10 days, the suture was removed and the animal was released from the hospital, maintaining the quality of breathing from the first day of surgery.