Medical imaging of tracheal laceration in a young Alaskan Malamute dog

Abstract

A 2-month-old, intact female Alaskan Malamute was presented for evaluation of dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema of the neck following biting wound. Two small punctured skin lesions and crepitus on the neck were found during physical examination. Radiographs revealed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Confirmative diagnosis of tracheal laceration was made by identifying the tracheal wall discontinuity on the computed tomography. CT is a valuable tool to diagnose an external traumatic tracheal injury, and more specifically, to assess the location and the extent of laceration, and it leads to early definitive treatment and reduction of the incidence of complications.