Tracheal resection and anastomosis for congenital stenosis in a dog

A one-year-old Cocker Spaniel dog was presented for the investigation of exercise-related stridor and respiratory embarrassment evident since birth. Radiography demonstrated a segmental tracheal stenosis at the thoracic inlet which was found to result from the congenital absence of tracheal rings at this point. The stenotic segment was resected at surgery and an end-to-end tracheal anastomosis performed. The dog now enjoys normal respiratory and exercise function with minimal narrowing of the trachea at the site of the anastomosis.