Tracheal collapse in a young boxer

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Background:

• Elective ear cropping is a common surgical procedure in certain dog breeds.
• Tracheal collapse can occur as a rare complication following surgical procedures involving the neck.
• Inspiratory dyspnea indicates upper airway obstruction, potentially involving the trachea.

Observation:

• A four-month-old female boxer presented with acute, severe inspiratory dyspnea.
• Surgical complication occurred three days post-elective ear crop surgery.
• Radiographs revealed collapse of the distal cervical trachea.

Findings:

• The puppy required emergency tracheostomy to stabilize the collapsed trachea.
• Treatment involved stenting the collapsed tracheal region.
• Application of five polypropylene total-ring prostheses resolved the clinical signs.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, complication of ear cropping surgery.
• Tracheal prostheses can be an effective treatment for cervical tracheal collapse in young dogs.
• Successful management allows for normal growth and development despite the tracheal anomaly.