Extraluminal, C shaped polyethylene prostheses in two ponies with tracheal collapse

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique, complications, and outcome after use of extraluminal prostheses in 2 ponies with severe tracheal collapse.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report.

ANIMALS: Ponies (n=2) with severe tracheal collapse.

METHODS: A ventral median approach was used to expose the trachea from the larynx to the manubrium. Extraluminal, high-density polyethylene, C-shaped prostheses were sutured to the dorsal tracheal membrane and tracheal rings to provide external tracheal support.

RESULTS: The surgical approach provided good tracheal access and placement of the rings was uncomplicated. Initial estimates of the tracheal diameter from preoperative radiographs resulted in prostheses that were too small at surgery requiring a 2nd surgical procedure in 1 pony. Postoperative complications were coughing, right laryngeal hemiplegia, seroma formation, and antimicrobial induced colitis. Both ponies had marked resolution of clinical abnormalities after surgery. Recurrent esophageal obstruction resulted in euthanasia of 1 pony 3.5 years after surgery. The other pony was doing well 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Extraluminal support of the trachea resulted in rapid resolution of clinical signs in 2 ponies with tracheal collapse.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Extraluminal tracheal prostheses can resolve clinical abnormalities in ponies with severe tracheal collapse.