Description
Tracheal collapse is a common condition of middle aged, small breed dogs and frequently encountered in small animal practice. Clinical signs are usually proportional to the degree of collapse with most dogs having mild airway irritation leading to a frequent paroxysmal coughing. Although some dogs do develop severe signs of respiratory distress and dyspnoea. Diagnosis is made by documenting dynamic airway collapse with radiographs, bronchoscopy or fluoroscopy. Most dogs respond well to medical management and treatment of any concurrent comorbidities. Surgical intervention may need to be considered in dogs that do not respond or have respiratory compromise. A variety of surgical techniques have been reported, however placement of extra-luminal ring prostheses or intraluminal stenting are most commonly used. Both techniques have numerous potential complications and require specialised training and experience, but are associated with good short and long-term outcomes. This talk will review the current thinking in management, diagnosis and treatment, giving you the knowledge needed to treat this often frustrating condition. 5 learning objectives:
Understand the pathophysiology of the development of tracheal collapse
Know the pros and cons of different diagnostic procedures and how they may benefit your patient
Have knowledge of the different medical treatment options
Understand when to consider surgical intervention
Have knowledge of long term management and complications after stent placement
Simon graduated from the University of Cambridge and after two year in practice under took a residency at the University of Bristol in Small Animal Medicine and Intensive Care, where he gained his European Diploma in Small Animal Medicine. He is currently head of internal medicine and a director of the internship program at Dick White Referrals where he sees cases in all areas of internal medicine, but has a particular interest in interventional radiology.