Generalized subcutaneous emphysema caused by concurrent cricoid cartilage fracture and cricotracheal detachment in a German shepherd dog

A dog was presented with history of progressive generalized subcutaneous emphysema and exercise intolerance secondary to dog fight. Radiographic evaluation confirmed extensive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum. Surgical exploration revealed cricoid cartilage longitudinal fracture and cricotracheal detachment. The fractured cartilage was sutured and the cricoid cartilage and trachea was approximated using interrupted sutures. Concurrent cricoid cartilage fracture andcricotracheal detachment has not been reported in veterinary literature, which should be considered in any case of subcutaneous emphysema secondary to extrinsic laryngeal trauma.