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Tracheal perforation managed by temporary tracheostomy in a horse
M N Saulez1, N M Slovis, A T Louden
1Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, McGee Medicine Center, 4250 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-8412, USA. montague.saulez@up.ac.za
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|August 20, 2005
Summary
A rare tracheal rupture in a horse was successfully treated with a temporary tracheostomy. This intervention relieved airway obstruction and allowed the tracheal perforation to heal, leading to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Surgery
- Respiratory System Anatomy
Background:
- Tracheal rupture is an infrequent veterinary diagnosis.
- Understanding upper airway obstruction is critical in equine emergencies.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with a 1 cm longitudinal perforation of the dorsal tracheal membrane.
- The horse exhibited dyspnoea due to guttural pouch emphysema secondary to the tracheal injury.
Findings:
- A temporary tracheostomy effectively diverted airflow, relieving upper airway obstruction.
- Conservative management following the tracheostomy facilitated complete resolution of the tracheal perforation and associated emphysema.
Implications:
- Temporary tracheostomy is a viable emergency procedure for tracheal trauma in horses.
- This case highlights successful conservative management of tracheal rupture in equine patients.