Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tracheostomy in cats for airway problems outcomes and risks
By Guenther-Yenke, Christine L & Rozanski, Elizabeth A·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2007·Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tracheostomy in cats: 23 cases (1998-2006).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 23 cats underwent tracheostomy surgery to help them breathe better due to issues like laryngeal masses, trauma, or swelling in the upper airway. While complications were common, most cats were able to go home after treatment, with 17 cats discharged successfully. Some cats faced challenges with healing, and a few did not survive. However, for those with severe breathing problems, a permanent tracheostomy can provide relief and improve quality of life, even if it comes with risks.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · tracheostomy for cats · cat airway obstruction treatment · complications of cat surgery · cat laryngeal mass care
Abstract
Tracheostomies can be used to provide a patent airway in animals with upper airway obstruction but have been reported to be more difficult to manage in cats than in other animals. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively describe the indications, complications and outcome of cats undergoing tracheostomy. Twenty-three cats underwent tracheostomy for laryngeal mass (n=13), trauma (n=5) and upper airway swelling (n=5). Major and minor complications were recorded in 10 and 17 cats, respectively. Seventeen cats were discharged to home, four cats were euthanased and two cats died in hospital. Complications with stoma healing were reported in one cat. Of seven cats discharged with a permanent tracheostomy, one cat is alive and six cats survived at home for between 2 and 281 days. Although complications are common, temporary tracheostomies can be beneficial for conditions in which the underlying cause can be treated. Despite risk of occlusion, permanent tracheostomies can be effective palliative procedures for cats with severe upper airway disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17693112/