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Update 8:
8/13/2005
I have been trying to find information about a feline tracheotomy for several days, since the first visit when they suggested it was an option. Information has been slim, but this morning I tried googling "permanent tracheostomy" instead and I found this one link that had 2 bits of information that I thought interesting and thought I would share. The first being a very clear explanation of everything and the other being something to make me frown.
The info is from a page about Laryngeal Collapse.
Under Treatment: Surgical resection of everted laryngeal saccules and abnormal folds of tissue around the epiglottis, the cartilage flap that flips up to protect the airway when swallowing food or water, can be performed when the degree of collapse is mild to moderate. In more severe cases, a permanent opening must be created in the trachea to allow air to by-pass the obstructed upper airway (permanent tracheostomy).
Under Home Care and Prevention: Although there is a surgical option for the treatment of severe laryngeal collapse, the long-term management of the tracheal opening and the increased risk for aspiration pneumonia should not be forgotten. Your pet will be far happier preventing laryngeal collapse by fixing the underlying causes than dealing with a permanent tracheostomy after the fact.
On this same site using their search and plugging in "permanent tracheostomy" I also found these other links,
- Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which a new opening is created into the trachea or wind pipe to facilitate the passage of air or the evacuation of secretions. There are two types of tracheostomy: temporary and permanent.
- What is a Tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening into the trachea through the neck, with insertion of an indwelling tube to allow your pet to breath easier. It is indicated whenever there is a problem with the upper airway.
- Chondrosarcoma (Tumor of the Larynx and Trachea)
Laryngeal and tracheal chondrosarcomas are malignant, slow growing, progressive, invasive tumors of the larynx and trachea. These tumors have no known cause and are extremely rare in small animal veterinary medicine.
Another bit of info taken off that first link in the bulleted list above. Answers one question I had, which is why I kept reading all this stuff about a tube cause it didnt look like Shayla had any device of any sort in her neck. And the home care gives me a tad of firs thand experience insight. Although talking to some real owners would be nice If I could find any. Reading the last bullet on Home Care makes me a bit worried and sad again.
Permanent Tracheostomy
A permanent tracheostomy is made in the same location in your pet's neck as a temporary tracheostomy. A “window” is created into the trachea and the edges are sutured to the adjacent skin, creating a large opening.
Your pet breathes directly through the new opening; a tube is not needed.
Home Care
Long-term home care is necessary after a permanent tracheostomy has been performed.
Monitor the site closely and clean it frequently because mucus and debris will build up at the opening.
Keep the hair around the opening short so that it does not interfere with air moving in and out.
Do not allow your pet to swim and bathe him carefully to prevent water from entering into the trachea.
Use a harness-type collar instead of a neck collar.
Have your veterinarian evaluate the opening if you notice that it is getting smaller. This could prevent an adequate amount of air from being taken in. In such cases, surgical enlargement of the hole may be necessary.
Remember that the tracheostomy is often only a symptomatic treatment to allow your pet to breathe easier; the primary problem is usually still present and may continue to progress and cause further difficulty for your pet.
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