Surgical management of intrathoracic tracheal avulsion in cats: long-term results in 9 consecutive cases

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and complications in a consecutive series of cats undergoing surgical repair of intrathoracic tracheal avulsion injuries.

Study design: Retrospective clinical study.

Animals: Nine client-owned cats.

Methods: The medical records of all cats undergoing surgical repair of intrathoracic tracheal avulsion injuries from 1994 to 1997 were reviewed. The results of physical examination, laboratory evaluations, radiography, tracheoscopy, surgery, and patient follow-up were reviewed. Complications that arose and long-term outcome were noted.

Results: Long-term resolution of clinical signs was achieved in all cats after resection of the damaged trachea and its repair by end-to-end anastomosis. Follow-up periods ranged from 12 months to 2.9 years. One cat developed unilateral left-sided laryngeal paralysis 2 to 3 months after surgery; however, this was transient and resolved without intervention within 6 months of surgery.

Conclusions: Surgical management of intrathoracic tracheal avulsion injuries in cats can be accomplished via a right lateral thoracotomy. Careful anesthetic technique is an integral part of the surgical procedure if a successful outcome is to be achieved. The incidence of both short-term and long-term complications was low. Care should be exercised to visualize and protect the left recurrent laryngeal nerve if postoperative iatrogenic unilateral left-sided laryngeal paralysis is to be prevented.

Clinical relevance: This retrospective study documents the successful surgical correction of a series of clinical cases of intrathoracic tracheal avulsion in cats.