title: Complications associated with temporary tracheostomy tubes in 42 dogs (1998 to 2007).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the type and frequency of tracheostomy tube complications, and to determine factors associated with these complications, and with poor outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  A database search for dogs undergoing temporary tube tracheostomy was performed. The medical records were scrutinised. The signalment, respiratory disease history, diagnosis, surgery, type and frequency of tube care procedures, type of complications and outcome were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-two records were found. Complications occurred in 36 of 42 (86%) cases. Bulldogs were more likely to dislodge the tube than other breeds (P=0·0376), and cases with three or more complication types underwent more routine care procedures than those with fewer complications (P=0·0370). Thirty-four of 42 (81%) dogs had a successfully managed tracheostomy tube and survived until tube removal, or elective euthanasia without significant tube complications. Bulldogs were also significantly (P=0·0376) more likely to have an unsuccessful tube outcome, as were dogs experiencing severe bradycardia during treatment (P=0·0176). Dogs with unsuccessful tube outcome were significantly (P=0·0331) younger than dogs with successful tube outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tracheostomy tubes in dogs have a high complication rate but a good outcome in most dogs. Careful management may improve the outcome of dogs with tracheostomy tubes, especially bulldogs and dogs exhibiting bradycardia during treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baines
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D001947:Breeding; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome