Muscle transposition graft for closure of a permanent tracheostoma in a Quarter Horse mare
Authors: Stemmet G. P., Labens R.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Surgical Closure of Permanent Tracheostomy in an Equine Case Permanent tracheostomy remains a necessary intervention for horses with severe, irreversible upper airway obstruction, yet the long-term implications—including abnormal respiratory noise and compromised vocalisation—can affect social behaviours such as mare-foal bonding and raise welfare concerns for owners. Stemmet and Labens present the first documented reversal of a permanent tracheostoma in equine practice, describing successful primary surgical closure of the stoma in a 13-year-old Quarter Horse mare six years after resolution of her underlying airway disease. Following closure, the mare recovered normal respiratory function and vocalisation without recurrence of airway obstruction, demonstrating that stoma reversal is technically feasible when the original pathology has genuinely resolved. This case challenges the assumption that permanent tracheostomies are irreversible and highlights the importance of reassessing long-term tracheostomised horses—particularly mares used for breeding—to determine whether closure might be appropriate once clinical improvement has been confirmed. Practitioners should consider longitudinal monitoring of tracheostomised horses and maintain surgical expertise in closure techniques, as improved quality of life and restoration of normal communication may be achievable outcomes in selected cases.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Permanent tracheostomies should not be considered irreversible; if the underlying airway obstruction resolves or significantly improves, surgical closure may be an option to address welfare and behavioural concerns.
- •Consider the long-term implications of permanent tracheostomy on animal welfare including vocalisation, respiratory noise, and maternal-foal bonding before deciding against closure attempts.
- •Muscle transposition graft is a viable surgical technique for tracheostoma closure in horses when primary closure is not feasible.
Key Findings
- •Successful surgical closure of a permanent tracheostoma was achieved 6 years after resolution of the underlying obstructive airway disease in a 13-year-old Quarter Horse mare using muscle transposition graft technique.
- •The procedure was undertaken to address owner concerns regarding abnormal respiratory noise and potential impacts on mare-foal recognition and bonding.
- •This case represents the first documented reversal of a permanent tracheostoma in horses, demonstrating feasibility of surgical closure when underlying conditions have resolved.