An obstructive upper respiratory emergency in a pregnant Belgian blue heifer

peer reviewed ; In this case report, the surgical intervention and aftercare are described of an upper airway obstruction in a two-and-a-half year old, seven-months pregnant Belgian blue heifer. The animal had been referred to the Clinic for Ruminants (University of Liège) for complaints of stridor and dyspnea and suffered from necrotic laryngitis, complicated by the formation of an obstructive granuloma. Emergency tracheotomy was performed to save the life of the cow and its calf. Through the use of a self-retaining cannula, the modified tracheotomy site could be kept patent until the calf wa... Mehr ...