Placement, care and maintenance of temporary tracheostomy tubes in dogs

Abstract

A temporary tracheostomy tube can be placed to provide short term opening into the airway when the upper aspect of the respiratory system is affected. The upper airway can be affected by trauma, neoplasia, foreign bodies, medical conditions, or anatomical issues for brachycephalic breeds. Nursing care is vitally important to prevent post placement issues and to keep the patient comfortable until the temporary tracheostomy tube can be removed once the patient is suitably recovered.

Keywords: :

• tracheostomy tube
• temporary tracheostomy tube
• airway
• upper airway
• respiratory
• nursing care
• brachycephalic

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vicki Henshaw

Vicki qualified in 2017 and is a theatre nurse at Northwest Veterinary Specialists. She completed the Improve International nurse’s certificate in anaesthesia in 2019 and is currently studying for the Vets Now emergency and critical care certificate. Her interests include surgical nursing, anaesthesia and working with brachycephalic patients. E-mail: [email protected]