Inadvertent endotracheal tube cuff rupture during unilateral arytenoid lateralisation for laryngeal paralysis in a dog

Abstract

A 12-year 11-month-old, 8.3 kg Jack Russell terrier presented following three episodes of respiratory distress. On initial presentation, conservative management was successful; however, the dog re-presented 10 weeks later with identical clinical signs. On the second presentation, investigations were unremarkable, so conservative management was continued. On discharge, the dog collapsed, following which, it was referred to the emergency and critical care department, within the same hospital. Examination under a light plane of general anaesthesia revealed left-sided laryngeal paralysis; therefore surgical management was indicated. During cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty suture placement, a leak was noted in the circle breathing system based on alteration of the capnograph trace, collapse of the ventilator bellows, and noise on inspiration. The pilot balloon of the endotracheal tube had deflated, necessitating re-intubation with a new endotracheal tube; a urinary catheter was used as a guidewire to facilitate this. The leak was abolished, and the procedure was completed successfully.