Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with torn left bronchus and trachea after chest trauma
By Schmierer, Philipp A et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2014·Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Novel avulsion pattern of the left principal bronchus with involvement of the carina and caudal thoracic trachea in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old male domestic shorthair cat was brought to the emergency vet because he was having trouble breathing, wasn’t eating, and seemed very lethargic. X-rays and a CT scan revealed a serious injury to his airway caused by trauma, which required surgery to repair. The vet performed a complex procedure to reconnect the damaged parts of his airway. After surgery, the cat was given special ventilation support and made a full recovery, showing great improvement six months later.
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Abstract
A 2-year-old, 4.5 kg, neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented to the emergency service with dyspnoea, anorexia and apathetic behaviour. Thoracic radiographs showed typical signs for a thoracic trauma and a tracheal lesion in the region of the carina, consistent with pseudoairway formation. Computed tomography (CT) was performed in the conscious cat to avoid aggravation of air leakage associated with ventilation. The additional CT findings were consistent with a novel pattern of a traumatic avulsion of the left principal bronchus expanding into the carina and caudal thoracic trachea. Despite the complex avulsion pattern, successful treatment was achieved surgically by performing an end-to-end anastomosis via a fifth right intercostal lateral thoracotomy. The cat was ventilated with a feeding tube and jet ventilation throughout. The cat showed excellent recovery 6 months after surgery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24217709/