Success Story: Tracheal Stent in Flaco, a 12-Year-Old Pomeranian with Cervical Tracheal Collapse
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Flaco is a 12-year-old male Pomeranian who came in with a respiratory pattern consistent with cervical tracheal collapse, a condition frequently seen in small-breed and senior dogs that can seriously affect quality of life.
Breathing difficulty, exercise intolerance, and progressive respiratory effort had become a daily concern for both Flaco and his family.
What is tracheal collapse in small dogs?
Tracheal collapse is a respiratory condition most common in small-breed and older dogs. In these patients, the tracheal rings gradually lose rigidity, causing progressive narrowing of the airway and making normal airflow difficult.
The most common clinical signs include:
coughing
breathing difficulty
exercise intolerance
episodes of acute respiratory distress.
When airway compromise is significant and medical management is no longer enough on its own, placing a tracheal stent can become an effective treatment option to restore tracheal patency.
Flaco's case: diagnosis
After clinical and radiographic evaluation, significant cervical airway compromise was confirmed. Given the severity of the case and the need to restore airflow, the veterinary team moved forward with an interventional treatment: implanting a straight ABTVET tracheal silicone stent (reference VSTX), 10 mm in diameter by 60 mm in length
The procedure
The implant was performed by Dr. Gustavo La Graza, in Chihuahua, Mexico, with the goal of stabilizing the collapsed tracheal segment and restoring more efficient breathing for Flaco.
Follow-up imaging after placement showed improved opening of the tracheal lumen in the treated area, confirming the mechanical effect of the stent on the affected segment.
In patients like Flaco, this type of intervention can make a significant difference — especially when the collapse causes persistent or progressive clinical signs and medical management alone is no longer sufficient.
Follow-up and progress
Radiographic checks after the procedure — including evaluations at one month and two months — allowed close monitoring of the stent's position and behavior, as well as Flaco's clinical response. This follow-up is essential to assess airway adaptation and respiratory improvement over the medium term.
Immediate post-implant check: imaging showed reopening of the treated tracheal segment, with better airway lumen conformation compared to the pre-treatment condition.
One-month check: continued evaluation of device adaptation and stability of the treated area.
Two-month check: radiographic follow-up continued to document Flaco's progress and the airway's response to treatment.
Recent / One-month / Two-month radiographic check after Flaco's tracheal stent placement
A new chance to breathe easier
Flaco's case shows how a well-indicated interventional approach can make a real difference for patients with obstructive airway disease. In dogs with tracheal collapse, restoring airway patency can translate into a significant functional improvement and a better quality of life.
Every case requires individual evaluation, precise planning, and ongoing clinical and radiographic follow-up — but stories like Flaco's reflect the impact the right solution can have when breathing becomes a daily struggle.
Do you want to learn more success cases using tracheal stents for tracheal collapse? Visit this success case
Frequently asked questions about tracheal collapse and tracheal stents
Which dogs are most prone to tracheal collapse?
It's most common in small-breed dogs (such as Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, or Chihuahuas) and in senior patients, due to the progressive loss of rigidity in the tracheal rings.
When is a tracheal stent recommended instead of other treatments?
When airway compromise is significant, clinical signs are persistent or progressive, and medical management alone is no longer controlling symptoms effectively.
What does follow-up look like after tracheal stent placement?
It typically includes periodic radiographic checks (usually at one month and two months) to assess stent position, airway adaptation, and the patient's clinical progress.
Can a dog with tracheal collapse regain a good quality of life?
With an accurate diagnosis, a well-indicated interventional treatment, and ongoing clinical follow-up, many patients achieve a significant functional improvement in breathing and overall quality of life.
Comments