Tracheal collaps in dogs, first evaluation of Wallstent® implantation

The tracheal collapse in dogs is caused by softening of the hyaline tracheal cartilage leading to dorsoventral flattening of the trachea and dilatation of the muse, trachealis and the ligg. anularia. Clinically the affected animals show respiratory symptoms like cough (>>goose honk<<), inspiratory dyspnea, tracheal stridor, seizure or cyanosis. Intraluminal stabilisation of the collapsed trachea with Wallstent(R) (Fa. Schneider; CH-8180 Bulach) was performed in seven dogs (4 Yorkshire-Terrier; 2 Chiahuaahua, 1 Pomeranian) after physical and laboratory investigation as well as x-ray and endoscopy. A stainless steel wire construction (fig. 1) which is held in stretched condition on a catheter was introduced under fluoroscopy. After initial treatment (antibiotics, cough suppressants, antiphlogistics) the animals showed a considerable to complete reduction of clinical symptoms with good compatibility of the implant.