Permanent tracheostomy for expired air collection in conscious dogs.

To facilitate continuous collection of exhaled air in conscious unmedicated dogs, a surgical technique of permanent tracheostomy was developed. Small portions of cartilagenous rings were dissected from the trachea creating a stoma approximately 0.5 x 2 cm. The tracheal mucosa and cut cartilage was secured to the dermis in such as manner that skin covered sternohyoid muscle covered the permanent tracheostomy when not in use. This allowed the dog to use its upper respiratory tract more effectively, preventing the frequent complication of tracheobronchitis and pneumonia. This procedure resulted in a maintenance-free stoma that did not require a high humidity environment or special care.