Tracheal collapse in a young boxer.

A four-month-old, female boxer developed severe inspiratory dyspnea three days after elective ear crop surgery. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of collapse of the distal cervical trachea. The puppy was treated with oxygen, aminophylline, and ampicillin, but required emergency tracheostomy to stent the collapsed region. Clinical signs resolved following application of five polypropylene total-ring prostheses, and the puppy continued to do well despite significant growth to maturity.