Tracheotomy and Tracheostomy Tube Placement in Cattle

Either as an emergency treatment or as part of therapy, being able to perform a tracheotomy and place a tracheostomy tube can be very useful for the bovine practitioner. This article presents different situations in which performing a tracheotomy and placing a tracheostomy tube might be indicated. Then the procedure itself is described, with an emphasis on some key points that help facilitate the surgery. Different tubes are presented, and the management of the surgery site is discussed. Finally, complications associated with the procedure and their management are explored.