Muscle transposition graft for closure of a permanent tracheostoma in a Quarter Horse mare

Summary Permanent tracheostomy is sometimes required in horses with severe and irreversible obstructive upper airway conditions. Abnormal respiratory noise and altered vocalisation may be of concern to owners and its influence on mare‐foal recognition and bonding should be considered. Reversal of a permanent tracheostoma in the horse has not been described. This case report presents the case of a 13‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare with a longstanding permanent tracheostoma that underwent primary surgical closure of the stoma 6 years after resolution of the underlying disease. It demonstrates the value of considering surgical closure of permanent stomata when underlying conditions have resolved or improved and animal welfare implications are observed.