Tracheal resection and anastomosis for treatment of tracheal collapse in a rabbit

Background: Rabbits have long been used as experimental models for tracheal disease, but very little information has been published about the diagnosis and management of naturally occurring pathology in this species. Case Description: A 7-year-old rabbit with concurrent upper respiratory disease was diagnosed with tracheal collapse using diagnostic imaging and tracheoscopy. Tracheal resection and anastomosis was performed to remove the affected area and produced resolution of clinical signs for approximately 6 months. The patient's signs eventually returned due to development of granulation tissue at the anastomosis site. Debridement, application of topical medications, and removal of suture material were ultimately unsuccessful in resolving the patient's respiratory distress, and the rabbit was euthanized 10 days later. Conclusions & Case Relevance: Based on the outcome of this case, tracheal resection may provide temporary relief from clinical signs of tracheal collapse in rabbits, but further research is required to determine which surgical techniques provide the best outcome and to better define contraindications. Background: Rabbits have long been used as experimental models for tracheal disease, but very little information has been published about the diagnosis and management of naturally occurring pathology in this species. Case Description: A 7-year-old rabbit with concurrent upper respiratory disease was diagnosed with tracheal collapse using diagnostic imaging and tracheoscopy. Tracheal resection and anastomosis was performed to remove the affected area and produced resolution of clinical signs for approximately 6 months. The patient's signs eventually returned due to development of granulation tissue at the anastomosis site. Debridement, application of topical medications, and removal of suture material were ultimately unsuccessful in resolving the patient's respiratory distress, and the rabbit was euthanized 10 days later. Conclusions & Case Relevance: Based on the outcome of this case, tracheal resection may provide temporary relief from clinical signs of tracheal collapse in rabbits, but further research is required to determine which surgical techniques provide the best outcome and to better define contraindications.