Understanding Collapsing Trachea Veterinary Partner

Collapsing trachea is a serious condition that affects many dogs, especially small and toy breeds. It's a chronic condition that can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, and even heart problems.

The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs. In dogs with collapsing trachea, the cartilage rings that support the trachea weaken and collapse, causing the tube to narrow.

This narrowing can lead to a range of symptoms, including a persistent cough, especially after exercise or eating. Dogs may also exhibit difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a blue-tinged tongue.

Veterinary Partner notes that the condition is often associated with obesity, which can put additional pressure on the trachea.

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The trachea is a tube that connects the throat to the lungs, carrying air in and out of the body.

It's made up of cartilage rings and a membrane that keep it open and rigid, allowing air to flow freely.

In dogs, the trachea is most commonly affected in middle-aged to senior dogs, typically between 4-14 years old.

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The trachea is a flexible tube-shaped structure that is surrounded by u-shaped rings of cartilage, making it appear somewhat accordion-like.

These cartilage rings are attached to a membrane and help keep the trachea open, allowing the dog to breathe normally.

The rings are responsible for keeping the trachea open, and if they become weak or worn, the trachea may collapse.

If the cartilage rings become weak or worn, they may no longer be able to hold the trachea open, allowing it to flatten and collapse.

This collapse shrinks the space through which air can pass, making it harder for the dog to breathe.

Take a look at this: Canine Trachea Anatomy

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a tube that connects the throat to the lungs, allowing air to pass through.

The trachea is made up of cartilage rings that provide support and keep the airway open. These cartilage rings help maintain the trachea's shape and allow air to flow freely.

Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilage rings lose strength and rigidity, or the membrane becomes slack and sags. This can happen due to various factors.

Tracheal collapse is most common in middle-aged to senior dogs, typically occurring between the ages of 4-14.

Collapsing trachea is a serious condition that can affect dogs of all ages. Small-breed dogs are most commonly affected.

Tracheal collapse is caused by weakened cartilage rings that hold the airway open during breathing and other movements. The cartilage rings flatten and narrow the airway.

Stress, excitement, physical activity, heat and humidity, inhaled irritants, and pressure on the neck can exacerbate coughing in dogs with tracheal collapse. This can lead to chronic airway inflammation and increase the risk of lung infections.

Small dog breeds, especially Pomeranians, Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and Chihuahuas, are most commonly affected by collapsing trachea. Overweight or obese dogs also have a higher risk of developing tracheal collapse.

Exposure to cigarette smoke or other air pollution can worsen a collapsing trachea by irritating the throat and inciting coughing.

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Your veterinarian will start by asking questions about your dog's history and the signs you've noticed. They'll want to know when the symptoms started, how often they occur, and any factors that might trigger or relieve them.

A physical examination is next, where your vet may try to elicit a cough by putting gentle pressure on the trachea. This can give them an idea of the type of cough your dog is experiencing.

X-rays, or radiographs, are often recommended to assess your dog's airway, heart, and lungs. However, tracheal collapse may not show up on X-rays, especially in mild cases.

Lab work, such as blood chemistry, complete blood count, and urinalysis, may be necessary to get a better idea of your dog's overall health. These tests can reveal underlying conditions that may be contributing to the tracheal collapse.

If your vet needs advanced diagnostic tests, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a veterinary internist or interventional radiologist. The specialist may recommend one or more of the following tests:

A persistent, harsh, and dry cough is the most common sign of tracheal collapse in dogs, often described as a "goose-honking" cough.

This type of cough can worsen at night, with excitement, or when pressure is put on the trachea, such as from a collar or hands.

Dogs with tracheal collapse may also experience coughing when picked up, retching (looking like trying to vomit, but producing nothing), and wheezing when breathing in.

In severe cases, tracheal collapse can lead to difficulty breathing, gums or tongue turning blue, or fainting.

The following breeds are more prone to tracheal collapse: Pomeranians, Miniature and Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pugs.

Tracheal collapse often occurs in middle-aged dogs.

Here are some common signs of tracheal collapse:

These signs can also be seen with other conditions, so it's essential to report them to your veterinarian for proper diagnosis.

Collapsing trachea is a progressive disease, and while treatment can help manage symptoms, it's essential to understand the prognosis and treatment options available.

Most dogs can be treated with medications and preventative care, such as weight loss, using a harness for walks, and avoiding airway irritants. Medications like cough suppressants, antibiotics, steroids, bronchodilators, and sedatives can help alleviate symptoms.

Coughing can lead to more irritation, which then leads to more coughing, so sedatives may be prescribed to reduce coughing and anxiety. Some dogs may require heavy sedation to stop the cough cycle.

If your dog is obese, weight loss can help reduce respiratory effort, making it easier to manage symptoms. Switching from a collar to a chest harness can also help ease breathing.

Medications like hydrocodone and Maropitant (Cerenia) may be prescribed to decrease inflammation in the airways. It's essential to follow your vet's instructions and not change doses without consulting them.

If symptoms are severe, surgery may be recommended by a board-certified veterinary surgeon. In this surgery, extraluminal tracheal rings or intraluminal stents are surgically placed around the dog's trachea to keep it from collapsing.

The prognosis for tracheal collapse depends on the severity of the disease and the dog's response to medical management. While there is no cure, many dogs, especially those with mild disease, will respond well to medical management.

Some dogs may eventually stop responding to medical treatment and require surgery or other interventions. Surgery is not a substitute for ongoing medical management, but it can help prevent respiratory emergencies.

Here's a summary of common medications used to treat tracheal collapse:

Keep in mind that every dog is different, and your vet will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Certain breeds are more prone to tracheal collapse, with Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers being commonly affected.

These breeds are thought to be more susceptible due to a possible genetic factor, but it's essential to remember that tracheal collapse can occur in any dog, regardless of size or breed.

Tracheal collapse is a condition that can affect any dog, but some breeds are indeed more predisposed to it.

Some breeds are more prone to tracheal collapse, with Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers being commonly affected.

These breeds are more likely to experience tracheal collapse due to a suspected genetic factor.

Congestive heart failure and collapsing trachea can be present at the same time, making it essential to rule out other causes of coughing.

Heart disease is another condition that can be similar to collapsing trachea, requiring a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of symptoms.

Coughing can have various underlying causes, and it's crucial to identify the correct condition to provide proper treatment.

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