Tracheal stenosis in a blue-billed currasow (Crax Alberti)

Abstract

A blue-billed curassow (Crax alberti) was anesthetized for a preshipment physical exam. Sixteen days later, the curassow presented with acute onset of dyspnea and respiratory stridor. The bird was stabilized by placement of an air sac canula. Tracheal stenosis was diagnosed with radiographs. It was suspected that the tracheal stenosis was due to trauma from a previous endotracheal tube placement. A tracheal resection and anastomosis was performed. Three days postoperatively the air sac canula was removed. Although there were increased respiratory sounds, the trachea had not completely restrictured. Ten months later, the currasow presented for dyspnea and died shortly thereafter. There was mycotic airsacculitis with Aspergillus organisms present. Tracheal stenosis in birds after tracheal intubation is a frequently discussed condition with very little published material available. This report describes a case of tracheal stenosis postintubation and the surgical treatment and subsequent complications that followed. © 2009 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.