Thyriakis I. DVM, MSc student of Small Animal Surgery, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Tsiadi-Dimitropoulou C. DVM, MSc student of Small Animal Surgery, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Angelou V. DVM, MSc, PhD, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Tzortzi I. DVM, MSc, PhD Candidate, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Professor of Small Animal Surgery, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Papazoglou L. DVM, PhD, Professor of Small Animal Surgery, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The aim of this study is the presentation of the management of a clinical case of traumatic pharyngeal rupture with extensive skin necrosis in a dog.
Clinical cases
A 3.5-year-old, intact male Pomeranian was presented with a medical history of a bite by another dog in the submandibular region. Swelling with food content and extensive skin necrosis in the cervical and anterior sternal region were observed. Surgical management and third intention healing were decided.
Results
Initially, surgical debridement was performed, while traumatic pharyngeal rupture was observed. Treatment included suturing of the rupture as well as debridement of the trauma, tie-over bandaging, appliance of healing ointments and then a gastrostomy was placed. Five days postoperatively, the pharynx was re-sutured due to dehiscence, and during extubation, emergency tracheostomy was performed due to laryngeal oedema. The gastrostomy tube was removed 14 days postoperatively, and secondary closure of the wound was performed by using forelimb fold flap. A dehiscence was noted and treated with second intention healing. Thirty days post-surgery, the dog is clinically healthy without symptoms from the pharynx.
Conclusions
Cases of traumatic pharyngeal rupture are rare and challenging with guarded prognosis. Survival decreases if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
