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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
Owner Perception of Outcome Following Permanent Tracheostomy in Dogs
Anastacia Marie Davis1, Janet A Grimes1, Mandy L Wallace1
1From the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (A.M.D., J.A.G., M.L.W., C.A.M.V., C.W.S.); College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (A.S., K.T.M., K.K.C.); College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama (K.C.H., B.M.M.); and College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina (S.L., V.F.S.).
Owner satisfaction with permanent tracheostomy (PT) in dogs is high, with most owners reporting improved quality of life and survival. Despite complications, many would repeat the procedure for their canine companions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Surgery
- Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Permanent tracheostomy (PT) is a surgical procedure for dogs with severe upper airway obstruction.
- Owner perception of outcomes is crucial for evaluating the success of PT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess owner satisfaction and perceived outcomes following permanent tracheostomy in dogs.
- To identify factors influencing owner perception and long-term results of PT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for dogs undergoing PT (2002-2016).
- Owner questionnaires administered verbally or via email to evaluate satisfaction and outcomes.
- Analysis of complication rates, revision surgery, and survival times.
Main Results:
- High owner satisfaction (89.7%) and willingness to repeat the procedure (79.5%).
- Reported improvements in canine personality (30.8%) and activity levels (41%).
- Median survival time of 1,825 days; 15.4% survival at study end. High complication rate (82.1%) with mucus secretion most common.
Conclusions:
- Permanent tracheostomy in dogs yields high owner satisfaction despite significant complications and intensive management.
- Long survival times are achievable, and owners perceive positive impacts on their dogs' quality of life.
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