Chennai workshop trains vets in canine tracheal stenting

Veterinarians from across the country received hands-on training in canine tracheal stenting at a programme held on Sunday at Madras Veterinary College (MVC) in Chennai. The session was organised by the Chennai Small Animal Veterinarians Association (CSAVA) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS).

The procedure is used to treat dogs suffering from tracheal collapse and strictures, conditions in which the windpipe narrows or gives way. According to Dr. G.R. Baranidharan, president of CSAVA, this is the first time the procedure is being performed in India for dogs that do not respond to clinical management. A persistent cough resembling the honk of a goose is among the symptoms, he said. Dr. Baranidharan received training in the technique in the United States in 2017.

The training was conducted at MVC, which has a fluoroscopy unit — a real-time X-ray system that helps assess the depth of the trachea and identify abnormalities. The procedure uses an endoscope and a specialised tool to place the stent at the site where the windpipe has collapsed. Dr. Baranidharan and Dr. G. Vijayakumar, Head of Clinics at MVC, demonstrated the technique on cadavers and live animals.

Dr. Vijayakumar noted that tracheal collapse and strictures are common in brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus and Boxers, and that heavy inbreeding contributes to breathing problems in these dogs.

While stents designed specifically for animals are available in Europe and the United States, India currently depends on stents manufactured for human use. Fluoroscopic studies help in measuring and selecting a stent suited to a dog, Dr. Baranidharan said.

The procedure can bring significant relief, but cost remains a hurdle. A stent costs around ₹60,000, and they are being placed free of cost for animals as part of the training programme, Dr. Baranidharan said. Dr. Vijayakumar suggested that government support, pet medical insurance and subsidies for procuring stents could make the procedure more accessible.

The facility is currently available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, headed by Dr. Ram Prabhu. The combination of bronchoscopy, fluoroscopy and stent-deploying instruments can improve both the longevity and quality of life of dogs with tracheal collapse.