Tracheal surgery in dogs: a review.

Though tracheal injuries often appear only superficial, exploration may reveal severe lacerations or fractures of the cartilaginous rings. A thorough physical examination and thoracic radiographs should precede tracheal surgery. Severe tracheal trauma is best repaired by partial resection and primary end-to-end anastomosis. Tension-relieving sutures aid healing of the anastomotic area, which is closed with synthetic absorbable sutures with extraluminal knots. Tracheal collapse, which primarily occurs in small or toy breeds, causes inspiratory dyspnea and can be corrected with polypropylene prostheses. Permanent tracheostomy may be required with laryngeal paralysis or irreparable tracheal injuries.