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A modified temporary tracheostomy in dogs: outcome and complications in 21 dogs (2012 to 2017)
Author(s) -
Bird F. G.,
Vallefuoco R.,
Dupré G.,
Brissot H.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/jsap.12928
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , complication , subcutaneous emphysema , tracheostomy tube , pneumomediastinum , retrospective cohort study , mortality rate , anesthesia , airway obstruction , airway
Objectives 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. Materials and Methods Retrospective review of signalment, diagnosis, outcome, complications and management of dogs that underwent modified temporary tracheostomy. Results 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. Clinical Significance 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.