A modified temporary tracheostomy in dogs: outcome and complications in 21 dogs (2012 to 2017)

To describe a modified temporary tracheostomy that included placing a Penrose drain sling dorsal to the trachea. To report outcomes and complications in brachycephalic versus non-brachycephalic breeds.

Retrospective review of signalment, diagnosis, outcome, complications and management of dogs that underwent modified temporary tracheostomy.

Twenty-one dogs were included. Tracheostomy tubes were maintained for periods ranging from 1 to 21 days (median 4 days). There were no intraoperative complications or complications related to the placement of the Penrose drain. Postoperative complications occurred in eight dogs, including dislodgement of the tracheostomy tube (n=6), obstruction of the tracheostomy tube (n=1), subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum (n=1). Twenty dogs survived until discharge; one was euthanised due to persistence of primary disease. The complication rate in brachycephalic breeds and non-brachycephalic was 37∙5 and 40%, respectively. Tube dwell duration of 4 days or longer was associated with a higher complication rate.

The modified temporary tracheostomy appears to simplify tracheostomy care, improve tracheostomy outcome and reduce tube-associated mortality compared with standard tracheostomy. In this study, brachycephalic dogs did not have a higher complication rate than non-brachycephalic dogs.