Tracheal stents offer relief to dog breeds prone to breathing problems; veterinarians trained in Chennai

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Veterinarians examine a dog during a training programme on placing a stent to treat tracheal collapse, on September 27, 2026. The event was organised by Chennai Small Animal Veterinarians Association (CSAVA) at Madras Veterinary College in Chennai | Photo Credit: V. Umesh Kumar

Taking a step forward in interventional veterinary medicine, the Chennai Small Animal Veterinarians Association (CSAVA), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), on Sunday (September 27, 2026) conducted a hands-on training programme for veterinarians from across the country on canine tracheal stenting procedure. The procedure is used to treat dogs, particularly small breeds, suffering from tracheal collapse and strictures.

“This is the first time in India that we are performing this procedure for dogs that fail to respond to clinical management. Persistent goose honk cough is one of the symptoms,” said Dr. G.R. Baranidharan, president CSAVA, who received training in the procedure in the U.S during 2017. 

The programme was held at Madras Veterinary College (MVC), which has a fluoroscopy unit — a real-time X-ray system that helps assess the depth of the trachea and identify abnormalities. The procedure involves the use of an endoscope and a specialised tool to deploy the stent in the area where the windpipe had collapsed. 

Dr. Baranidharan, along with Dr. G. Vijayakumar, Head of Clinics at MVC, demonstrated the procedure on cadavers and live animals with the help of an endoscope. 

An endoscopic view of a stent placed in the trachea of a dog during a training programme on treating tracheal collapse, organised by Chennai Small Animal Veterinarians Association (CSAVA) at Madras Veterinary College in Chennai on Sunday | Photo Credit: V. Umesh Kumar

“Tracheal collapse and strictures are common in brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus and Boxers. Heavy inbreeding causes breathing problems in these breeds,” said Dr. Vijayakumar. 

While stents specifically designed for animals are available in Europe and the U.S., India currently relies on stents manufactured for human use. “Fluoroscopic studies will help us measure and select the stent suitable for dogs,” Dr. Baranidharan said.

The procedure can provide significant relief to affected animals, but the cost remains a concern. “A stent costs around ₹60,000, and we are placing them free of cost for animals as part of the training programme,” Dr. Baranidharan said.

Dr. Vijayakumar said government support, pet medical insurance and subsidies for procuring stents could help make the procedure more accessible to animals in need. 

This facility currently is available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine headed by Dr. Ram Prabhu. The combination of bronchoscopy, flouroscopy and stent deploying instruments can increase longevity and quality of dogs with tracheal collapse.

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