Tracheal resection and anastomosis in a dog with an osteochondroma

A 2-month-old golden retriever was presented with a history of intermittent wheezing and inspiratory stridor. Previous thoracic radiographs revealed the presence of a discrete opacity partially obscuring the trachea at the level of the thoracic inlet. Through tracheoscopy, a smooth, broad-based intratracheal mass was visualised just past the thoracic inlet that made up about 80% of the tracheal diameter. Histological examination of biopsies obtained during this procedure was consistent with tracheal osteochondroma. The mass was removed by resection and anastomosis of the trachea through a cervical approach. Histopathology of the excised mass confirmed the prior diagnosis of osteochondroma. Re-evaluation and repeat thoracic radiographs 6 months postoperatively showed complete resolution of clinical signs and no evidence of recurrent disease. This case demonstrates that tracheal resection and anastomosis can be a viable and curative surgical procedure for some masses, including osteochondromas, within the trachea.