title: Extraluminal, C shaped polyethylene prostheses in two ponies with tracheal collapse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the surgical technique, complications, and outcome after use of extraluminal prostheses in 2 ponies with severe tracheal collapse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ponies (n=2) with severe tracheal collapse.
  
  
  METHODS
  A ventral median approach was used to expose the trachea from the larynx to the manubrium. Extraluminal, high-density polyethylene, C-shaped prostheses were sutured to the dorsal tracheal membrane and tracheal rings to provide external tracheal support.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The surgical approach provided good tracheal access and placement of the rings was uncomplicated. Initial estimates of the tracheal diameter from preoperative radiographs resulted in prostheses that were too small at surgery requiring a 2nd surgical procedure in 1 pony. Postoperative complications were coughing, right laryngeal hemiplegia, seroma formation, and antimicrobial induced colitis. Both ponies had marked resolution of clinical abnormalities after surgery. Recurrent esophageal obstruction resulted in euthanasia of 1 pony 3.5 years after surgery. The other pony was doing well 1 year after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extraluminal support of the trachea resulted in rapid resolution of clinical signs in 2 ponies with tracheal collapse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extraluminal tracheal prostheses can resolve clinical abnormalities in ponies with severe tracheal collapse.
authors: George D. Widener Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA. e.busschers@vc-someren.nl
authors: Evita
authors: E
authors: Busschers
authors: Kira L
authors: KL
authors: Epstein
authors: David E
authors: DE
authors: Holt
authors: Eric J
authors: EJ
authors: Parente
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000662:veterinary*; D014132:Trachea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes