Airway management and mechanical ventilation using the Ventrain in a cat for surgical repair of an intrathoracic tracheal avulsion

Abstract This report describes the complex management of an 11‐month‐old male cat with an intrathoracic tracheal avulsion following blunt trauma, a rare but critical injury typically associated with vehicular accidents. Presenting with severe dyspnoea 10 days after a car accident, the cat exhibited a marked narrowing of the tracheal lumen to 1.2 mm, necessitating an emergency thoracotomy. Airway management posed a significant challenge due to the location and severity of the lesion. The use of the Ventrain, a ventilation device designed to assist both inspiration and expiration, facilitated controlled ventilation, oxygenation and adequate respiratory function for a large part of the procedure. Cross‐field ventilation and the introduction of an oral bridging tube were further techniques used subsequently. The cat experienced an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged in stable condition. The case underscores Ventrain's potential role in managing challenging airway conditions in small animals, particularly when conventional techniques are unsuitable.