Self-expanding tracheal stent placement in a cat with primary tracheal collapse

A 12-year-old mixed-breed spayed female cat presented with dyspnoea, open-mouthed breathing, and cyanosis that was difficult to control with medical pharmacotherapy; the cat was diagnosed with the primary tracheal collapse of the neck and chest regions. The diagnosis was confirmed by dynamic chest radiography, tracheal endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT). Tracheal endoscopy and CT showed dropsy of the dorsal membranous wall over most of the trachea. A self-expanding Nitinol cross-and-hook braided stent was placed along the entire tracheal lumen using surgical X-ray fluoroscopy. Bacterial cultures in the trachea were negative. Dyspnoea disappeared immediately after the endotracheal stent was implanted. Although the long-term prognosis remains under observation, the short- to medium-term prognosis was very good. These results suggest that stenting may be useful in the treatment of primary tracheal collapse in cats.