Implantation of extraluminal nitinol stents in a dog with severe tracheal collapse: Case report

Abstract

Tracheal collapse is a disease that affects the respiratory system, both in the cervical and thoracic regions of the tracheal tube of small animals. It has predisposition in toy breeds and affects both males and females, with reports of higher incidence in animals aged 07 to 08 years. Usually, the symptoms are dry and unproductive cough, exercise intolerance, and dyspnea. The diagnosis is made through clinical findings and complementary exams, and treatment can be clinical or surgical, depending on the severity of the case. This work aims to report a case of treatment in a dog with a collapsed trachea in the cervical region. The animal of the present report was presented at the veterinary clinic by the tutor, with the main complaint of intolerance to exercise, cyanosis and syncope during play. After being evaluated by the veterinarian, the tutor was advised to carry out additional tests to confirm tracheal collapse. As soon as the results of the exams came out and the animal was diagnosed with tracheal collapse grade III to IV, treatment was indicated and the tutor opted for clinical treatment. If there were no improvement in the animal's condition, surgical treatment would be indicated, and the risks and benefits of surgery were disclosed to the tutor. Depending on how compromised the tracheal tube is, clinical treatment becomes ineffective, making surgical correction necessary, where the Veterinarian will evaluate which type of surgical technique is to be performed.