Partial costectomy for tracheal collapse and stenosis associated with perinatal rib fracture in three Japanese Black calves

J Vet Med Sci. 2016 Mar;78(3):451-5. doi: 10.1292/jvms.15-0378. Epub 2015 Oct 30.

Abstract

2.3-month-old (Case 1), one-month-old (Case 2) and 6-month-old (Case 3), Japanese Black calves presented with mild to severe wheezing. All calves had histories of dystocia at birth with breech presentation. Physical examination, thoracic radiography, endoscopy or computed tomography indicated wheezing associated with tracheal collapse and stenosis caused by perinatal rib fractures. Partial resection of the fractured first and second ribs was performed on all calves. The respiration in Cases 1 and 2 immediately improved after the surgery, while Case 3 required two weeks to improve. Cases 1 and 3 grew up healthy and were sold at auction, but Case 2 had a recurrence of wheezing at three months post-discharge and showed growth retarding. Partial costectomy may be an effective solution for control of respiration, however, further cases are required to discuss the criteria for surgical management and to obtain favorable postoperative prognosis in calves with tracheal collapse and stenosis caused by perinatal rib fractures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Birth Injuries / complications
  • Birth Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Birth Injuries / veterinary*
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / congenital*
  • Cattle Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Cattle Diseases / etiology
  • Male
  • Rib Fractures / complications
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Rib Fractures / surgery
  • Rib Fractures / veterinary*
  • Ribs / surgery*
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Tracheal Diseases / etiology
  • Tracheal Diseases / veterinary*
  • Tracheal Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Tracheal Stenosis / etiology
  • Tracheal Stenosis / veterinary*