Consideration of Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Tracheal Stenosis Caused by Rib Fracture in Calves

A retrospective analysis for criteria of surgical intervention in Japanese Black calves with respiratory signs caused by perinatal rib fracture

“…The surgery with prosthesis procedure has provided low success rate (approximately 30%) and the method will require prosthetic material removal after growth of the patient [2,3,10]. Authors and Fujikawa et al reported that partial costectomy led to improvement in the clinical condition of the calves and indicated its availability [4,5]. In these previous reports, unfortunately, criteria for surgical intervention has yet not been discussed in calves with the disease.…”

“…Fluoroscopic dynamic observation of the trachea would be required for correct evaluation in calves as the same as in dogs. In addition, utility of computed tomography was also recommended for the diagnosis and the surgical strategy [4,5], but bovine clinicians could not routinely use the device in fields.…”

“…Rib fracture of neonatal calves is relatively common event in dystocia at birth, especially with forced extraction and breech presentation [ 3 , 10 , 11 , 13 ]. In the calves, a few to multiple cranial ribs are involved [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 10 ], and the massive callus formation of the fractured ribs can influence respiratory organs including trachea and lung [ 2 , 7 , 10 ]. Tracheal stenosis is the serious condition resulting from the fracture, but the patient calves develop clinical signs several weeks after birth [ 2 , 4 , 13 ].…”

“…In the calves, a few to multiple cranial ribs are involved [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 10 ], and the massive callus formation of the fractured ribs can influence respiratory organs including trachea and lung [ 2 , 7 , 10 ]. Tracheal stenosis is the serious condition resulting from the fracture, but the patient calves develop clinical signs several weeks after birth [ 2 , 4 , 13 ]. The callus formation at thoracic inlet region is estimated to be a major cause of tracheal compression [ 3 , 10 , 13 ].…”

“…Lateral radiograph demonstrates a narrow trachea and substantial callus over the several ribs in calves with the disease [ 2 , 10 ]. Computed tomography also helps to confirm tracheal stenosis and the affecting fractured ribs [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 12 ].…”