Presentation

An 8 year old male neutered Pomeranian presented to the emergency service for evaluation of severe coughing and gagging as well as labored respirations. Patient was previously diagnosed with tracheal collapse and had a tracheal stent placed ~ 5 years ago.

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Thoracic Radiographs

Focal alveolar infiltrate within the left cranial lung most compatible with a focus of aspiration or bacterial pneumonia. Cervical tracheal collapse rostral to the tracheal stent. Fracture of cranial aspect of the tracheal stent. Tracheal malacia.

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Diagnosis

Tracheal stent fracture and tracheal collapse exacerbated by pneumonia.

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Treatment

The pneumonia was treated with appropriated antibiotics (Orbax and Clavamox).

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Re-Evaluation

Once the pneumonia resolved the respiratory signs cleared, however, there was continued occasional coughing. Due to the potential for catastrophic failure of the stent due to further unraveling another tracheal stent was positioned to bridge the area of fracture.

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Follow-Up

Patient is doing well at 6 months with no clinical signs attributable to tracheal collapse save for rare coughing.