Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with broken tracheal stent treated by external support device
By Tomohiro Yoshida et al.·Published in Animals·2026·Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Tracheal External Support Using a Parallel Loop Line Prosthesis for Tracheal Stent Fracture in a Dog: A Case Report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was brought in for breathing problems due to a complete fracture of a tracheal stent, which is often used to treat tracheal collapse. After imaging and a bronchoscopy, the vet found that the fractured stent was causing significant airway obstruction. To fix this, they used a special external support called a parallel loop line prosthesis, which helped stabilize the trachea without adding anything inside. After the surgery, the dog's breathing improved significantly, and follow-up checks showed that the trachea was functioning well without further issues.
People also search for: dog breathing problems · Yorkshire Terrier tracheal collapse treatment · tracheal stent fracture in dogs
Abstract
Tracheal stent fracture is a major complication of endoluminal tracheal stent (ELS) for canine tracheal collapse, and optimal management strategies remain unclear. A 4-year-old Yorkshire Terrier presented with respiratory distress caused by complete ELS fracture. Imaging and bronchoscopy revealed intraluminal protrusion of fractured stent segments, ventral tracheal cartilage invagination, and marked luminal deformation. A parallel loop line prosthesis (PLLP) was selected as an external tracheal support. Its continuous band-like structure allowed broad and uniform reinforcement of the tracheal wall and redistribution of mechanical stress. PLLP placement successfully restored a near-normal tracheal contour and stabilized the fractured stent without introducing additional intraluminal material. Postoperative bronchoscopy confirmed improved tracheal patency, and no further deformation or stent damage was observed despite several months of altered airway dynamics associated with laryngeal paralysis. This case suggests that PLLP may represent a valid surgical option for managing tracheal stent fracture in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020171