Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with breathing trouble after anesthesia fixed by tracheal stent
By Hur, Eunji et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary science·2025·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful management of tracheal stenosis using tracheal stenting in a Russian Blue cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old neutered male Russian Blue cat was brought in for severe breathing problems and coughing that started after he had dental work done under anesthesia five months earlier. A scan showed a blockage in his trachea (windpipe) caused by scar tissue from the intubation. To help him breathe better, the vet placed a stent in his trachea, which successfully relieved his respiratory distress. After two days in the hospital and treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and other medications, the cat went home and has been doing well for 27 months without any complications.
People also search for: cat breathing problems after anesthesia · tracheal stenting for cats · Russian Blue cat coughing treatment
Abstract
IMPORTANCE: Tracheal stenosis in cats, often resulting from endotracheal intubation, can cause life-threatening respiratory emergencies, requiring prompt and effective treatment. In this case, we demonstrate that tracheal stenting can effectively manage respiratory distress caused by tracheal stenosis in cats. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old neutered male Russian Blue cat presented with progressively worsening open-mouth breathing and coughing that began post-intubation and inhalation anesthesia for dental scaling 5 months before presentation. Computed tomography revealed a broad-based lesion protruding into the tracheal lumen at the thoracic inlet, resulting in localized luminal narrowing. Tracheoscopy and brush cytology led to a provisional diagnosis of tracheal stenosis with reactive hyperplasia and chronic granulomas caused by endotracheal intubation. Following diagnostic processes, the cat experienced severe respiratory distress, eventually leading to a stupor. Respiratory distress was alleviated after tracheal stent placement. The cat was prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, bronchodilators, and antitussives and was discharged after 2 days of hospitalization. The stent remained well-positioned during the 27-month follow-up, with no complications or mucosal regrowth observed at the stenosis site. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This case is the first instance of using tracheal stenting to effectively manage tracheal stenosis in a cat, successfully resolving a respiratory emergency, and ensuring long-term care.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39901474/