Pneumothorax and extensive subcutaneous emphysema in a French bulldog, following removal of a silicone tracheal stoma stent used for a temporary tracheostomy

Abstract

AbstractA 3‐year‐old French bulldog was presented with a 2‐year history of a progressively worsening stertor and exercise intolerance. Clinical examination was suggestive of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Routine laryngeal examination and computed tomography confirmed changes consistent with BOAS. A folded flap palatoplasty and vertical wedge resection alarplasty were performed. Severe dyspnea and cyanosis developed during recovery necessitating emergency intubation, and temporary tracheostomy was performed. A silicone tracheal stoma stent was placed instead of a tracheostomy tube. The silicone stoma stent was removed after 48 hours, and the patient remained hospitalised for observation for further 8 hours. Before discharge, the patient became severely distressed during IV canula removal. Rapid onset of severe subcutaneous emphysema and dyspnea necessitated emergency induction and intubation. Thoracic radiographs revealed a left‐sided pneumothorax. Following thoracostomy tube placement and drainage, a permanent tracheostomy was performed and the dog was discharged from hospital the following day.