A Retrospective Study of Tracheal Stent Placement in Dogs with Collapsing Trachea
- Author:
Taeho LEE
1
;
Soomin PARK
;
Deuk-Hyeong LEE
;
Joong-Hyun SONG
;
Kun-Ho SONG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From: Journal of Veterinary Clinics 2025;42(1):7-15
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of tracheal stent placement in dogs with tracheal collapse, identifying factors associated with success rates and adverse effects. Thirty-one dogs treated with intraluminal self-expanding nitinol stents for tracheal collapse at Smart Animal Hospital from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed. The investigation focused on median follow-up time (MFT), clinical outcomes, and factors affecting success and complications, including age at the time of stent placement, presence of stent-related complications, and concurrent bronchial collapse. The average follow-up time was 592 days, ranging from 35 to 2,189 days. As of December 31, 2023, 11 dogs were alive, 10 had died, and 10 were lost to follow-up. Excluding those lost to follow-up, 80% survived more than a year post-procedure. Yorkshire Terriers were the most common breed, followed by Pomeranians. The average age at the time of stent placement was around 9 years, with an average body weight of approximately 3 kg. There were no notable differences in MFT across age groups, indicating that age at the time of stent placement did not significantly affect survival outcomes. Postoperative outcomes were categorized as "Good" in 51.6% of cases, "Fair" in 32.3%, and "Poor" in 16.1%. Complications, including stent fracture, malposition, and migration, were observed in 23% of the dogs. The majority (83.9%) had concurrent bronchial collapse, which correlated with certain complications but did not significantly affect MFT. Overall, tracheal stent placement is a viable treatment option for canine tracheal collapse, demonstrating significant survival rates and manageable complications. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive postoperative monitoring and highlights the need for further research to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes in veterinary medicine.
