Tracheal rupture in a horse

Injuries of the trachea in horses have been rarely documented. However, there are reports on conservatively as well as surgically treated horses. Such cases occur more commonly in dogs, cats and in humans. A two-year-old Arabian more presented with an emphysematous swelling, which began at the ventral neck and quickly spread to the head and ventral abdomen. Endoscopic examination revealed a tear in the trachea through which air passed synchronously with respiration. After six days of stall confinement, the defect had closed and the subcutaneous emphysema was in a state of regression. Six days later, the mare was discharged from the clinic with an undisturbed general condition. Upon consultation with the owner at six weeks and one year it was revealed that no further complications had arisen.