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Background: The grade of tracheal collapse (TC) is assessed by the diameter of the narrowed lumen. However, studies on the relationship between TC grade and clinical symptom severity are lacking. Objectives: To investigate the clinical characteristics of small-breed dogs diagnosed with TC and determine if fluoroscopic grading correlates with cough severity. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records from 2022 to 2024. TC diagnosis was confirmed using fluoroscopic examination. Multiple linear regression was employed to investigate factors influencing cough severity, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 132 dogs with TC were identified, of which 22 were excluded. The final cohort consisted of 110 dogs, aged between 2-19 years, with no significant sex differences. The majority (97.2%) of dogs had a BCS of =4. Among the top four breeds (Maltese, Pomeranian, Poodle, and Chihuahua), the most severe collapse was observed in the carinal region. The grade of collapse on fluoroscopy was mostly related to high BCS (p < 0.007) and low body weight (p < 0.001). However, interestingly, fluoroscopic findings of collapse location and grade did not correlate with cough severity (p = 0.350). Notably, clinical symptoms improved in 86.6% of cases following interventions such as weight reduction, environmental changes, and pharmacotherapy. Conclusions and clinical relevance: In small-breed dogs, the severity of cough was not associated with the region or grade of TC diagnosed by fluoroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stenting has become popular to treat tracheal collapse in dogs, but complications might arise and negatively affect treatment outcome. Objectives: Determine the overall prevalence of complications of tracheal stenting in dogs. Methods: A bibliographic search was performed of publications from 2000 to 2020. Studies were assessed for quality of evidence and measured prevalence of the 8 most commonly reported complications after tracheal stenting in dogs (stent fracture, stent migration, relapsing collapse, granuloma formation, tracheobronchial infections, and early, late, and clinically relevant late cough). Random effects meta‐analyses were used to estimate pooled complications prevalence. Results: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Cough (early: 99%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 95%–100%, late: 75%; 95% CI: 63%–85%, and clinically relevant: 52%; 95% CI: 42%–61%), tracheobronchial infections (24%; 95% CI: 14%–35%), and granulomas (20%; 95% CI: 11%–30%) were common after tracheal stenting. Stent fractures (12%; 95% CI: 5%–20%), relapsing collapse (10%; 95% CI: 5%–15%), and stent migration (5%; 95% CI: 1%–9%) were less frequent. Significant heterogeneity among studies was identified for the estimated prevalence of stent fracture, granulomas, infections, and late cough. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Tracheal stenting in dogs is associated with a high risk of coughing and a moderate risk of tracheobronchial infections and granuloma formation. Because most complications will impact a dog's quality of life, owners must be informed that tracheal stenting is a second‐line procedure that does not necessarily alleviate the need for medical treatment and frequent follow‐up visits. Additional studies are warranted to identify the risk factors of these complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tracheal collapse (TC), a common disease in dogs, is characterized by cough; however, little is known about the serum biomarkers that can objectively evaluate the severity of cough in canine TC. Furthermore, studies elucidating the relationship of fluoroscopic characteristics with the severity of cough are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cough severity and clinical characteristics, fluoroscopic images, and new serum biomarkers in canine TC. Results: Fifty-one client-owned dogs diagnosed with TC based on fluoroscopic and clinical signs were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups according to the severity of cough (grade of cough: 0, 1, and 2). Signalments, comorbidities, and fluoroscopic characteristics were compared among the groups retrospectively. The serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-6 (IL-6), surfactant protein-A (SP-A), and syndecan-1 (SDC-1) levels were measured in all groups. No significant differences in age, breed, sex, or clinical history were observed among the groups. Concomitant pharyngeal collapse increased significantly with the severity of cough (p =.031). Based on the fluoroscopic characteristics, the TC grade of the carinal region increased significantly and consistently with the grade of cough (p =.03). The serum MMP-9 level was significantly higher in the grade 2 group than that in the grade 0 group (p =.014). The serum IL-6 level was significantly lower in the grade 1 group than that in the grade 0 group (p =.020). The serum SP-A and SDC-1 levels did not differ significantly among the groups. Conclusions: The severity of cough with the progression of TC can be predicted with the fluoroscopic TC grade at the carinal region. MMP-9 may be used as an objective serum biomarker that represents cough severity to understand the pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Principal and lobar bronchial collapse is increasingly recognized as an isolated entity. Objective: Retrospectively describe the procedure and outcomes of dogs undergoing bronchial stenting at a single referral hospital. Animals: Nine client‐owned dogs with variable degrees of collapse of the left principal bronchus (LPB), lobar bronchus 1 (LB1), and lobar bronchus 2 (LB2), and with clinically relevant signs of respiratory dysfunction. Methods: Data were collected from patient records. All dogs underwent stenting of the LPB and LB2. Anatomic and functional impairment grades were assigned to each case before and 4 weeks after stenting. Data regarding response to stenting and complications were evaluated. Results: Bronchial stenting was considered successful in all cases, with all dogs experiencing improved quality of life (QOL), and decreased functional impairment grade at 4 weeks post‐stenting. Follow‐up of >6 months was available for 6 dogs and of these, 5 were alive at 12 months, 3 were alive at 18 months, and 1 was alive at 24 months. Stent‐related complications occurred in 4 dogs, and were resolvable in 3. Two dogs developed pneumothorax, 1 developed recurrent pneumonia, and 1 developed new‐onset coughing. All dogs had mild and manageable coughing post‐stenting. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Stenting of the LBP and LB2 might be an effective option for dogs with advanced collapse of these bronchi and associated signs. Although all included dogs had resolution or improvement of clinical signs considered life‐threatening or as affecting QOL, ongoing coughing is expected. Patient selection appears important with regard to achieving successful outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial colonization in veterinary stents poses a significant and concerning issue in veterinary medicine. Over time, these pathogens, particularly bacteria, can colonize the stent surfaces, leading to various complications. Two weeks following the stent insertion procedure, the colonization becomes observable, with the aggressiveness of bacterial growth directly correlating with the duration of stent placement. Such microbial colonization can result in infections and inflammations, compromising the stent's efficacy and, subsequently, the animal patient's overall well-being. Managing and mitigating the impact of these pathogens on veterinary stents is a crucial challenge that veterinarians and researchers are actively addressing to ensure the successful treatment and recovery of their animal patients. In addition, irritation of the tissue in the form of an inserted stent can lead to overgrowth of granulation tissue, leading to the closure of the stent lumen, as is most often the case in the trachea. Such serious complications after stent placement require improvements in the procedures used to date. In this review, antibacterial or antibiofilm strategies for several stents used in veterinary medicine have been discussed based on the current literature and the perspectives have been drawn. Various coating strategies such as coating with hydrogel, antibiotic, or other antimicrobial agents have been reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tracheal collapse is a common disease in small breed dogs, and imaging techniques such as radiography and fluoroscopy are important for diagnosis. However, there is limited agreement between these two methods in different regions of the trachea. A study was conducted on 29 dogs with tracheal collapse to investigate the agreement between thoracic radiography and fluoroscopy. The results showed that radiography underestimated the degree of collapsing trachea compared to fluoroscopy significantly at carina area. However, the agreement between the methods was found to be only slight at the cervical region. The study suggests that while radiography can be useful for screening, fluoroscopy can detect a greater degree of collapsing trachea than the two-image radiography method. Tracheal collapse is a common disease in small, middle-aged dogs, and imaging tools are essential for its diagnosis. Radiography and fluoroscopy are the main diagnostic modalities used, but their agreement in different regions is not well documented. In this study, the agreement between thoracic radiography and fluoroscopy in tracheal collapse was investigated in 29 dogs. The results showed that radiography detected a lower degree of collapsing trachea compared to fluoroscopy at the carina region (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference observed between the degree of collapsing trachea detected by radiography and fluoroscopy at the cervical, thoracic inlet, and intra-thoracic regions (p = 0.780, 0.537, and 0.213, respectively). The kappa statistic indicated a slight agreement at the cervical region at a 16.4% cut-off (κ = 0.20), while the other regions showed a non-agreement. In conclusion, although radiography is useful for screening, fluoroscopy was able to detect the degree of the collapsing trachea greater than radiography in the carina region. Additionally, if a collapse in the cervical region is detected by radiography, it is prone to have a positive relationship with fluoroscopy as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 9‐year‐old Dartmoor cross‐gelding was referred for investigation and treatment of exercise intolerance, cough and abnormal respiratory noise. Endoscopic examination revealed the presence of left 90‐degree rotation and dorsoventral collapse of the entire cervical trachea. Although the tracheal collapse was not obvious on laterolateral radiographs, these showed the abnormal presence of tracheal cartilages along with the dorsal and ventral limits of the trachea. Oblique radiographs showed partial tracheal collapse in the caudal aspect of the neck. Ultrasound examination revealed the presence of tracheal cartilages on the right side of the neck, dorsal tracheal ligament along with the left side of the neck and the junction between tracheal cartilage and dorsal tracheal ligament coursing over the ventral aspect of the neck. This report highlights the value of detailed examination of standard and non‐standard radiographic and ultrasound imaging of the trachea to achieve correct diagnosis of tracheal collapse when associated with tracheal rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested composite tracheal grafts (CTG) composed of a partially decellularized tracheal graft (PDTG) combined with a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed airway splint for use in long-segment airway reconstruction. CTG is designed to recapitulate the 3D extracellular matrix of the trachea with stable mechanical properties imparted from the extraluminal airway splint. We performed segmental orthotopic tracheal replacement in a mouse microsurgical model. MicroCT was used to measure graft patency. Tracheal neotissue formation was quantified histologically. Airflow dynamic properties were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics. We found that CTG are easily implanted and did not result in vascular erosion, tracheal injury, or inflammation. Graft epithelialization and endothelialization were comparable with CTG to control. Tracheal collapse was absent with CTG. Composite tracheal scaffolds combine biocompatible synthetic support with PDTG, supporting the regeneration of host epithelium while maintaining graft structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested composite tracheal grafts (CTG) composed of a partially decellularized tracheal graft (PDTG) combined with a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed airway splint for use in long-segment airway reconstruction. CTG is designed to recapitulate the 3D extracellular matrix of the trachea with stable mechanical properties imparted from the extraluminal airway splint. We performed segmental orthotopic tracheal replacement in a mouse microsurgical model. MicroCT was used to measure graft patency. Tracheal neotissue formation was quantified histologically. Airflow dynamic properties were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics. We found that CTG are easily implanted and did not result in vascular erosion, tracheal injury, or inflammation. Graft epithelialization and endothelialization were comparable with CTG to control. Tracheal collapse was absent with CTG. Composite tracheal scaffolds combine biocompatible synthetic support with PDTG, supporting the regeneration of host epithelium while maintaining graft structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extraluminal surgical procedures for intrathoracic tracheal collapse in dogs are not routinely performed. The patients are normally treated with different drugs or by intraluminal stents. However, in more severe cases, drug treatment does not always have good outcomes, and intraluminal prostheses can be correlated to several postoperative problems. In order to obtain better results, we aimed to develop a surgical technique for implantation of a new extraluminal helical prosthesis in the thoracic segment of the trachea through cervical access, associated with pneumatic mediastinoscopy for certification of the technique and minimization of possible complications. Materials, Methods & Results: Seven canine corpses (CCs) from non-traumatic death, weighing between 2 and 7 kg, were used. A ventral cervical approach to the trachea was associated with blunt mediastinal dissection. Trans cervical pneumatic mediastinoscopy was used for evaluation of the dissection and location of the implant. These were compared with the necropsy findings by the exact Wilcoxon two-sample test, with P < 0.05. The results of necropsy and mediastinoscopy did not present significant differences at P < 0.05. During the examinations, the presence of some mediastinal visceral lesions caused by the prosthesis, the integrity of the mediastinum and possible lesions to RLN and blood vessels (BV) were analyzed. We also investigated the location of the distal part of the prosthesis in the thoracic segment of the trachea and its dissection. To evaluate the technique, statistical comparison was made between mediastinoscopy and necropsy findings. The data were compared by the Wilcoxon test at 5% probability. The tracheas of all CCs were efficiently dissected, but in some cases problems that can happen during the procedure were noticed. This was checked by mediastinoscopy and confirmed by necropsy. The median of the scores was 1 (good dissection and visualization), with variance of zero for mediastinoscopy and 0.14 for necropsy. In the mediastinoscopy of one CC, the prosthesis crossed the tracheal bifurcation, involving the posterior vessels of this region, which was confirmed by necropsy. However, the dissection showed no vascular lesions. The integrity of the mediastinum was assessed only by mediastinoscopy. There was no impairment caused by any of the procedures performed. This resulted in a median score of 1 (integrity) with zero variance. When the positioning of the prosthesis was evaluated in relation to the tracheal bifurcation, identical values were obtained by both methods. The median score was 1, with variance of 0.62. No statistical differences were found between the two evaluation methods for the analyzed variables. This demonstrates the strong potential of the proposed evaluation techniques. Discussion: Our results show that the execution of the technique is possible, but some complications may occur. Mediastinoscopy as an evaluation procedure can pose some complications, these considerations are important, but by using technique proposed in this study, these factors are minimized due to the ease of technical implantation of the extraluminal tracheal stent, without the need for several instruments competing in the inflated mediastinal space. We concluded that the technique is viable and a safe method with minimal invasion for investigation and treatment of mediastinal diseases, presenting low impairment of the paratracheal structures, and that mediastinoscopy can be used as a transoperative evaluation method to minimize complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives de l'Institut Pasteur de Tunis is the property of Institut Pasteur de Tunis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction:  Esophageal atresia (EA) is often accompanied by tracheobronchial malformations leading to stridor, recurrent bronchitis, and occasionally to life-threatening obstructive apnea after surgical repair. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of tracheomalacia in patients with EA and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) pre- and postoperatively and to find endoscopic correlates leading to clinical airway symptoms.Methods:  In a cohort of 362 patients with EA-TEF who underwent 595 tracheoscopies at the Children's Hospital of Cologne between January 1983 and December 2002, impaired tracheal lumen, localization of TEF, tracheal pulsations, and corresponding clinical symptoms were retrospectively analyzed.Results:  The incidence of tracheomalacia was higher in patients with EA and TEF (Gross B-D) compared with patients with EA alone (Gross A) and average tracheal collapse does not significantly change before and after surgical repair of the esophagus in all types. Patients with cyanosis while eating and obstructive apnea presented with an average tracheal collapse of 89%. The presence of respiratory symptoms such as cough, stridor, or bronchitis was not associated with a higher grade of tracheal collapse compared with patients without any airway symptoms (average tracheal collapse of 37% in symptomatic patients vs. 33% in nonsymptomatic patients).Conclusion:  Tracheomalacia tends to be present independently of surgical procedure. Tracheomalacia should be measured by tracheoscopy (in % of tracheal collapse). Patients with a tracheal collapse of >80%, a ventral pulsation, and obstructive apnea or cyanosis in combination, are at risk for life-threatening situations and further surgical treatment should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi is the property of University of Kafkas, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Dogs with tracheal stents often have positive airway bacterial cultures. The pathogenicity of these organisms and risk factors for infection have not been investigated. Objective: Describe bacterial infection in dogs with tracheal collapse before and after tracheal stent placement. Animals: Fifty‐three client‐owned dogs. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of dogs receiving tracheal stents with thoracic radiographs, tracheoscopy, and endotracheal lavage. Results: There was no difference between the overall prevalence of dogs with positive bacterial cultures before (31/38; 82%) or after stent placement (24/31; 77%) (P =.67). An increased number of geriatric (17/28; 61%) and traditional‐type collapse (TTC) (16/26; 62%) dogs had positive pathogenic airway infections before stent placement, compared to young (8/25; 32%; P =.04) and malformation‐type collapse (MTC) dogs (9/27; 33%; P =.04). After tracheal stent placement, geriatric dogs had a 52% reduction in pathogenic bacteria infection frequency (P =.02) and dogs with TTC had a 56% reduction in pathogenic bacteria infection frequency (P =.01). Significant risk factors for pathogenic infection included a history of pneumonia (OR = 3.6; 95% CI, 0.28‐43.36) and cardiac disease (OR = 1.25; 95% CI, 0.16‐9.92) in geriatric dogs, and hepatomegaly in young dogs (OR = 1.5; 95% CI, 0.12‐19.44). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Tracheal stent placement does not increase the overall rate of pathogenic bacterial infection in dogs with tracheal collapse and can decrease the rate of subsequent pathogenic infections in geriatric dogs and dogs with TTC that require tracheal stenting. Airway culture and cytology should be performed in all dogs undergoing tracheal stent placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives de l'Institut Pasteur de Tunis is the property of Institut Pasteur de Tunis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Canine tracheal collapse is a complex airway pathology without promising treatment results. Currently nitinol stents are the best surgical option; however, some professionals are doubting if stent placement is the best option due to the associated complications. Objective Determine the technical feasibility, safety, and long-term follow-up after the implantation of a new tracheal stent designed for canine tracheal collapse. Methods Thirteen healthy, adult female New Zealander rabbits were involved in this pilot study.A new intra-tracheal device (Reference number 902711 patent registered as CasMin-Twine) was implanted in ten animals. Deployment was performed under general anesthesia, making a puncture incision via a 21 Gauge needle in the intra-tracheal space where the stent was introduced with a screwing process. The device was fixed to the tracheal wall with a non-absorbable suture. Computerized Tomography (CT) and an endoscopy to study structural abnormalities were performed after 30, 90 and 365 days after stent placement. Results Technical and clinical success was 100%. There was no significant change in behavior or respiratory disorders. CT studies showed no significant alterations. After the 30 days, 60% of the animals showed partial endothelization in the endoscopy study, and only one animal still presented partial endothelization after 12 months. Mucus accumulation was only present in 40% of cases and classified as low, without respiratory consequences. Only one animal presented a single granuloma at caudal stent tip. Conclusions This new tracheal stent (CasMin-Twine) is an effective and safe procedure with promising results, and also shows the possibility of removing the device after endothelization has been produced. New studies should be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness in patients with tracheomalacia. Clinical Significance/Impact This new product can give veterinarians a new option of treatment for this complicated pathology. Minimizing specific equipment for its deployment, CasMin-Twine will be more accessible for all professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid clearance from the respiratory system during developmental transitions is critically important for achieving optimal gas exchange in animals. During insect development from embryo to adult, airway clearance occurs episodically each time the molt is completed by performance of the ecdysis sequence, coordinated by a peptide-signaling cascade initiated by ecdysis-triggering hormone (ETH). We find that the neuropeptide Kinin (also known as Drosokinin or Leukokinin) is required for normal respiratory fluid clearance or "tracheal air-filling" in Drosophila larvae. Disruption of Kinin signaling leads to defective air-filling during all larval stages. Such defects are observed upon ablation or electrical silencing of Kinin neurons, as well as RNA silencing of the Kinin gene or the ETH receptor in Kinin neurons, indicating that ETH targets Kinin neurons to promote tracheal air-filling. A Kinin receptor mutant fly line (Lkr f02594) also exhibits tracheal air-filling defects in all larval stages. Targeted Kinin receptor silencing in tracheal epithelial cells using breathless or pickpocket (ppk) drivers compromises tracheal air-filling. On the other hand, promotion of Kinin signaling in vivo through peptide injection or Kinin neuron activation through Drosophila TrpA1 (dTrpA1) expression induces premature tracheal collapse and air-filling. Moreover, direct exposure of tracheal epithelial cells in vitro to Kinin leads to calcium mobilization in tracheal epithelial cells. Our findings strongly implicate the neuropeptide Kinin as an important regulator of airway clearance via intracellular calcium mobilization in tracheal epithelial cells of Drosophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-year-old neutered male, Golden retriever presented with regurgitation and excitement-induced coughing. Two years prior, extra-thoracic tracheal collapse was diagnosed and extra-luminal tracheal ring prostheses were placed. Radiographs at presentation showed mineralized and undulant cervical tracheal cartilages. A dorsally broad-based soft tissue opacity bulged into the caudal cervical tracheal lumen. Esophageal dysmotility and barium accumulation were identified at this level on contrast esophography. Computed tomography showed migration of a prosthetic tracheal ring, resulting in perforation of the esophagus. Hair, foreign material, and dynamic tracheal narrowing were identified on esophagoscopy and tracheoscopy, respectively. Esophagostomy and foreign body removal were performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To report the management of a dog that required 2 treatments with mechanical ventilation; firstly for severe tracheal collapse and secondly following deployment of a nitinol tracheal stent that immediately preceded a nonoxygen responsive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), suspected to have originated from the right atrium. Case Summary A 9-year-old female spayed Shetland Sheepdog was presented for management of a gallbladder mucocoele. Pertinent history included iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism and tracheal collapse. The dog became clinical for tracheal collapse following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Thoracic radiographs revealed moderate to severe tracheal collapse at the level of the thoracic inlet. Arterial blood gas was consistent with hypoventilation and mechanical ventilation was instituted. Given the severity of tracheal collapse, self-expanding nitinol tracheal stent placement was elected. Immediately following tracheal stent placement, the dog developed nonoxygen responsive hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation. Additional diagnostic tests revealed changes consistent with a PTE and a large thrombus in the right atrium. The dog was humanely euthanized. New or Unique Information Provided Dislodgement of a preexisting atrial thrombus has not been described as a complication following tracheal stent deployment. Additionally, although PTE is frequently considered to be oxygen responsive, it may not be if the embolism is severe enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Most information about pharyngeal collapse in dogs is anecdotal and extrapolated from human medicine. A single case report describing dynamic pharyngeal collapse in a cat has been published, but there is no literature describing this disease process in dogs. Objective To describe the signalment, clinical presentation, concurrent disease processes, and imaging findings of a population of client-owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse. Animals Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse. Methods Radiology reports of dogs for which fluoroscopy of the respiratory system was performed were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a fluoroscopic diagnosis of pharyngeal collapse were included in the study population. Data regarding clinical signs, diagnostic, and pathologic findings were evaluated. Results Twenty-eight dogs met the inclusion criteria. The median age of affected patients was 6.6 years, whereas median body condition score was 7/9. The most common clinical signs were coughing (n = 20) and stertor (n = 5). In 27 of 28 cases, a concurrent or previously diagnosed cardiopulmonary disorder was detected. The most common concurrent disease processes were mainstem bronchi collapse (n = 18), tracheal collapse (n = 17), and brachycephalic airway syndrome (n = 8). Fluoroscopy identified complete pharyngeal collapse in 20 of 28 dogs. Conclusions Pharyngeal collapse is a complex disease process that likely is secondary to long-term negative pressure gradients and anatomic and functional abnormalities. Based on the findings of this study, pharyngeal fluoroscopy may be useful diagnostic test in patients with suspected tracheal and mainstem bronchial collapse to identify concurrent pharyngeal collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the respiratory disorders in dogs from small breeds, tracheal collapse is one of the most commonly found in clinical practice. Presently, acupuncture is widely used as an alternative treatment which was shown to bring about positive effects in the treatment of human respiratory diseases. The present study demonstrated the effect of acupuncture on tracheal collapse dogs. We hypothesized that acupuncture can help dogs suffering from tracheal collapse by improving various parameters including heart rate variability, serum biomarkers for oxidative stress, exercise performance, and quality of life. Twenty client-owned dogs from small breeds with tracheal collapse disease were enrolled. The study was divided into two 5-week periods. During the first period, the dogs received normal veterinary care but received no acupuncture treatment (NAC). After completing that period, all forms of treatment were withheld for one week before the beginning of the second period. In the second period, all dogs restarted normal veterinary care and underwent acupuncture treatment (AC) once a week for five consecutive weeks. Blood was collected at the beginning and end of each of the two periods for malondialdehyde (MDA) level measurement. Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded at the 1st, 3rd and 5th weeks of both periods. Exercise tests were performed at the beginning and end of AC period and questionnaire interviews with the owners were accomplished at the end of each period. The results showed that acupuncture can alleviate clinical signs of tracheal collapse, reduce MDA level, and improve sympathovagal balance. We suggest that acupuncture treatment could be used as an adjunct treatment for canine tracheal collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The donkey suffers from a similar range of respiratory diseases as the horse; however, there are a number of subtle variations, knowledge of which can influence the success of treatment. As an animal adapted to a semi-arid terrain, there are variations in physiology, anatomy and disease susceptibility. The nonathletic nature of the donkey means that delayed presentation is common with many diseases and, while there may be enhanced resistance to some transboundary and parasitic diseases, there may be equal or increased severity of illness to some endemic diseases, e.g. equine influenza. Donkeys frequently live to geriatric ages and the clinician should be aware of the increased risk of conditions such as tracheal collapse, fibrosing pneumonia and neoplasia in this age group. As with any condition that causes stress and inappetance, respiratory disease in the donkey may be complicated by hyperlipaemia and good nursing care is an essential component of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postprandial (PP) serum bile acid (SBA) stimulation is an important test for detecting hepatic dysfunction in dogs. However, this test is influenced by numerous variables, and a standardized approach using an injectable cholecystokinin analog (ceruletide) may be advantageous. Hypothesis: Ceruletide SBA stimulation test is more sensitive than PP SBA stimulation in dogs. Animals: Animals with portosystemic shunt (PSS) (n = 11) and dogs with upper respiratory disease (URD) (n = 9) were investigated. Healthy dogs (n = 13) and dogs with other diseases (n = 17) served as controls. Methods: All dogs underwent SBA stimulation with food and ceruletide. Stimulation blood samples were drawn at 60/120 minutes and 20/30/40 minutes, respectively. Results were compared statistically, and the sensitivity and specificity were determined with receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results: Stimulated SBA were significantly higher in both study groups than in controls. For dogs with PSS, the sensitivity and specificity (>35 μmol/L) were 100% postprandially (120 minutes) and 91 and 100%, respectively, postceruletide (30 minutes). The difference between these values was not statistically significant. For dogs with URD, the sensitivity and specificity (>22 μmol/L) were 44 and 88% postprandially (120 minutes) and 100 and 88% postceruletide (30 minutes). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Ceruletide SBA stimulation circumvents exogenous and endogenous influences associated with PP SBA stimulation. The results indicate that ceruletide SBA stimulation performs as well as PP SBA stimulation in dogs with PSS and is more sensitive for the detection of hepatic dysfunction in dogs with URD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracheal collapse is common in middle age toy and miniature breed dogs. Cartilaginous defects have been identified histologically and are considered a form of chondromalacia. In addition to tracheal cartilaginous changes, concurrent lower airway histologic changes indicative of inflammation have been noted in dogs with tracheal collapse and these changes may lead to concurrent bronchiectasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bronchiectasis in dogs with a previous radiographic diagnosis of tracheal collapse. The thoracic radiographs of 60 dogs with tracheal collapse were evaluated for evidence of concurrent bronchiectasis. Eighteen of 60 (30%) dogs had evidence of bronchiectasis, and all were cylindrical in morphology. The signalment of affected dogs was similar to that previously reported. The occurrence of bronchiectasis in this group of dogs with tracheal collapse (18 dogs) was six times higher ( P<0.05) than the expected prevalence within a random sample population (three dogs). The results of this study provide evidence of a link between tracheal collapse and bronchiectasis. A finding of bronchiectasis with tracheal collapse should encourage further evaluation for chronic lower airway disease in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracheal collapse is most commonly reported in ponies and miniature horses, but can also occur in larger breeds of horses and ponies, as well as donkeys. Most develop clinical signs of tracheal collapse in middle age, indicating that some degenerative process of the tracheal cartilage or connective tissue may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. This case study outlines the diagnosis, investigations and treatment options for tracheal collapse in a Shetland pony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 7-year-old male terrier was referred with a 3-week history of coughing, anorexia, lethargy, and weight loss to the clinic of small animals at the University of Tehran, Iran. On physical examination, cataracts were present in the eyes, nasal mucopurulent discharge, cyanotic mucous membrane, respiratory distress, tachypnoea, and increased abdominal expiratory effort were revealed, and a honking, productive cough was elicited on tracheal palpation. Auscultation of the trachea and lung fields revealed stertor and inspiratory wheeze, respectively. Hematologic findings included leukocytosis, characterised by neutrophilia with left shift, and normocytic, normochromic anaemia. Radiographic examination showed an alveolar pattern, especially in the medial lobe of the right lung. No other abnormality was found on radiographic examination. Bacteriological study on tracheal and lung specimens was performed, and Bordetella bronchiseptica was detected from the tracheal specimens. Based on the clinical history, physical examination, and bacteriological data, infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) was diagnosed. Because of the severe respiratory distress and worsening of the clinical signs, further investigation and treatment were rejected by the owner, and the dog was euthanized. At necropsy, the trachea was collapsed along its entire length, and the tracheal membrane was loose and floppy. Probably, the presence of a concurrent tracheal infection with B. bronchiseptica (kennel cough) has been a triggering factor that caused clinical signs of tracheal collapse which developed in this dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Langenbecks Archiv fuer Chirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)