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Correspondence to Simon Tappin; [email protected]
Background
Although tracheal collapse is relatively commonly diagnosed in small breed dogs, it is uncommon in large breeds, and when documented has been associated with dorsal tracheal membrane redundancy. Historically, the veterinary literature recognises redundancy of the dorsal tracheal membrane to be associated with tracheal collapse, in many cases representing the first stage of the tracheal collapse.1 However, there is a difference between primary dorsal tracheal membrane redundancy and tracheal collapse secondary to tracheal ring distortion leading to the membrane obstructing the lumen.
Primary dorsal tracheal membrane redundancy is a relatively common condition and is caused by hyperplasia of the dorsal tracheal membrane.2 Recently, this condition was identified in the absence of tracheal collapse as an independent condition and may be associated with or without clinical signs.3 The aetiology of dorsal tracheal membrane redundancy is not fully understood, with some authors suspecting a familial cause, because redundancy alone appears to be more frequent in larger dogs.3
This case report describes the presentation, evaluation and treatment of a two-year-old working Belgian shepherd dog with dorsal tracheal membrane redundancy using a surgical plication technique, and documents a successful outcome.
Case presentation
A two-year-and-10-month-old Belgian shepherd dog was referred for diagnosis and management of dyspnoea, exercise intolerance, inspiratory stridor and dry cough. The respiratory signs were documented 16 months before referral when the cough was noted to be exacerbated by pressure applied by the neck collar. The cough was progressive to the extent it was causing exercise intolerance and episodes of cyanosis, which were self-limiting.
At the time of presentation, the patient was showing signs of abdominal discomfort. It started to vomit alimentary content 12 hours before referral. The sudden onset of the gastrointestinal signs was associated with lethargy, and hyperthermia was documented by the referring veterinary surgeon (temperature was 39.4°C). A moderate weight loss of 3 kg was also documented. The patient’s normal diet was a hydrolysed protein hypoallergenic food due to previous episodes of soft faeces, and was responding well to this diet. The patient was diagnosed with primary immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) 10 months before referral. This was medically managed with 1.5 mg/kg prednisolone (Prednidale, Dechra, UK) administered once daily and 1 mg/kg azathioprine (Imuran, Aspen Pharma...