Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Permanent tracheostomy in Equidae: 47 cases (1981-1986).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Shappell, K K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Between 1981 and 1986, a surgical procedure called permanent tracheostomy was done on 46 ponies and 1 adult Quarter Horse to help with breathing issues. In a follow-up examination in June 1986, the average size of the opening created for breathing was about 25 mm for the ponies and 55 mm for the horse, and there were no signs of significant airway blockage. Most of the animals were able to breathe well even when their noses were blocked, and while some ponies showed no trouble breathing during exercise, many had unfortunately died or been put to sleep for various reasons. Only a few of those deaths were linked to breathing problems, with some ponies having issues like collapsing tracheas or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Overall, the procedure seemed to work well, providing a good airway with few complications.
Abstract
Between 1981 and 1986, permanent tracheostomy was performed in 46 ponies and 1 adult Quarter Horse. Tracheostomies of 19 ponies and the horse were examined in June 1986 and evaluated for vertical length of stomal orifice (mean = 25.0 +/- 4.7 mm in the ponies and 55 mm in the horse), degree of tracheal obstruction (0/20), regrowth and apposition of epidermis (3/20), and whether or not stomal airflow occurred with nasal occlusion (20/20). In addition, the animals were evaluated to determine whether dyspnea developed during exercise. Records of 27 ponies were evaluated. Six of the 27 were not dyspneic with exercise at their last routine physical examination. Twenty-one ponies had died or had been euthanatized, but only 5 of these deaths were attributed to complications associated with the respiratory tract; 3 ponies had collapsing tracheas and 2 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The permanent tracheostomy technique provided a functional and cosmetic airway and was associated with a low rate of complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3366684/