Primary bronchotomy for removal of a distal bronchial foreign body in a cat

A 3-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for acute onset cough and dyspnoea. Thoracic radiography revealed a radiopaque foreign body proximally in the right caudal main bronchus. Initial attempts at endoscopic retrieval using a flexible bronchoscope were unsuccessful, as the foreign body migrated progressively distally into the right caudal lobe bronchus, precluding bronchoscopic removal. The cat subsequently underwent a right fifth intercostal-space lateral thoracotomy. A primary bronchotomy was performed to retrieve a small stone, and the bronchus was closed with a single-layer, simple interrupted pattern, using monofilament suture. Postoperative management included analgesia, antibiotics and restricted activity. The cat recovered uneventfully. At a 15-day follow-up, clinical signs had resolved and the cat remained in good general condition.

Tracheobronchial foreign bodies are uncommon in feline patients, and reports describing primary bronchotomy for their removal are limited in dogs and non-existent in cats. Although bronchoscopic extraction is generally favoured because of its minimally invasive nature, this case illustrates a scenario in which surgical intervention is indicated, particularly when endoscopic access is compromised by distal migration of the foreign body or a narrow bronchial lumen. This report details the surgical approach, intraoperative management and postoperative care after primary bronchotomy in a cat. The findings provide practical guidance for veterinary surgeons confronted with similar cases and contribute to the scarce literature on surgical management of bronchial foreign bodies in cats.