Complete tracheal obstruction during anaesthesia for ventral slot decompression surgery in a dog

Murray, A. G. and Murison, P. J. (2022) Complete tracheal obstruction during anaesthesia for ventral slot decompression surgery in a dog. Veterinary Record Case Reports, 10(4), e461. (doi: 10.1002/vrc2.461)

Abstract

An 8-year-old, female Yorkshire terrier presented to the neurology department with a 3-month history of progressive ambulatory tetraparesis. A diagnosis of intervertebral disc protrusions at the levels of C3–C4 and C6–C7 was made using magnetic resonance imaging. Ventral slot decompressive surgery was carried out at both sites. When accessing the C6–C7 disc space, placement of Gelpi retractors resulted in complete tracheal obstruction, characterised by an absence of end tidal carbon dioxide measurement. This occurred in conjunction with the cessation of abdominal and thoracic respiratory movement despite the use of positive pressure ventilation. Removal of the Gelpi retractors resolved the tracheal occlusion and permitted the resumption of ventilatory support. To facilitate this surgical approach, the trachea was reintubated with a longer endotracheal tube to protect the patency of the airway. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of tracheal obstruction as a complication of a ventral slot procedure.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Murison, Professor Pamela and Murray, Andrew
• Authors: Murray, A. G., and Murison, P. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Record Case Reports
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 2052-6121
• ISSN (Online): 2052-6121
• Published Online: 22 July 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Veterinary Record Case Reports 10(4): e461
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License