Tracheal Rupture in a Cat

Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure performed during anesthesia in cats. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of iatrogenic tracheal rupture following a dental scaling of a 4-year-old, female, neutered Scottish Fold cat. Respiratory distress, subcutaneous emphysema and excessive air under the skin in the cervical and head regions were noted on physical and radiographic examination, respectively. The tracheal rupture was successfully repaired using simple interrupted sutures.