At ABTVet, we recently had a complex and successful case that we would like to share. We are grateful for the kindness of Dr. Lara Montero and his entire team at the Hospital Veterinario "El Niño de Atocha" from Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, who made it possible.
Synopsis:
In this article, we share the case of Chiquis, who was referred to Dr. Lara Montero's clinic in Yucatán City, Mexico, due to severe tracheal collapse. Despite initial challenges, they were able to stabilize the patient and make a complete diagnosis, revealing severe valvular disease. They decided to place a tracheal stent, which was successfully performed.
Dr. Lara and his team detail each step of the procedure and the postoperative care that allowed the dog to recover his respiratory capacity without major complications.
This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach and new techniques in the treatment of respiratory emergencies in brachiocephalic.
Success story:
Stent Placement in Dog with Tracheal Collapse
This is what Dr. Lara Montero tells us:
"Chiquis, a 9-year-old brachiocephalic, was referred to our hospital after suffering a severe tracheal collapse. The owner found him unable to breathe and, after performing CPR, took him to a clinic where he was stabilised with oxygen. However, minimal handling resulted in further collapse, so he was referred to us."
First Steps and Diagnosis
On arrival at our clinic, we performed X-rays and laboratory tests.
During the procedures, at the slightest handling, he collapsed. On seeing the X-rays, we confirmed a grade IV tracheal collapse, as well as cardiomegaly and pulmonary oedema. We started supportive oxygen therapy, and once stabilised, we diagnosed severe valvular disease.
Stent Placement in Dog with Tracheal Collapse
After a detailed discussion with Chiquis's family, we decided to place a tracheal stent. We performed the placement successfully and were very pleased to see that upon returning from anaesthesia the patient was ventilating much better and without the distressed face she had come in with. We used an endotracheal probe and Rx to measure the proper placement and size of the stent. Then, simply with a clamp, we inserted and released the stent in the correct place.
The procedure was meticulous, confirming measurements and positions with X-ray. After placement, the patient woke up from anaesthesia, breathing better and with no signs of distress. Surprisingly, she did not present much coughing or postoperative restlessness, and today we are ready to discharge her.
Dr. Lara Montero stressed
The stent was successfully placed yesterday and the great satisfaction of seeing how, on returning from anaesthesia, the patient was ventilating much better and without the suffering face with which she had arrived.
Step by step
This is how the patient arrives.
Step 1: as we could not get the endoscope in. We then took an X-ray with the digital flat panel, which takes 30 seconds to show the image on the screen.
We placed an endotracheal tube, which, in addition to introducing oxygen, was used to confirm the width, length and location of the stent.
Step 2: We confirm the size of the clamp we use to place the stent. We use a 25 cm long (uterine) clamp. To implant the stent we only lubricate with lidocaine gel.
Step 3: Confirm the site to release the stent and its size, fold it to reduce its diameter and facilitate insertion, and hold it in place with the forceps. Verify with X-ray the correct site and release the stent so that it self-expands.
Step 4: Stent in position
Step 5: We repositioned the endotracheal tube to continue oxygenating the patient. When we felt the time was right, we extubated her. Chiquis woke up as if nothing had happened. We thought she was going to have a lot of coughing and be restless, but that was not the case.
She only had a few little coughs, and the night guard reported that during the night she did not cough at all.
Conclusion
This case illustrates how simple innovative techniques and medical expertise can transform the lives of our pets. Silicone stenting proves to be an effective solution for severe respiratory problems, significantly improving patients' quality of life.
At ABTVet, we remain committed to animal welfare, using innovative procedures to ensure minimally invasive, safe and effective treatments.
Comments and Recommendations:
If you were interested in this case, please share your opinion or similar experiences in the comments! If you want to know more about our procedures and technologies, do not hesitate to contact us.
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