- Difficulty breathing.
- Coughing when you pick your dog up or apply pressure to their neck.
- Vomiting, gagging, or retching associated with the coughing.
- Cyanotic (turning blue) episodes or bluish mucous membranes.
- Wheezing.
Caring for a pet can be a daunting responsibility, especially when it comes to their health. One of the more serious, yet treatable, medical issues that can affect dogs is tracheal collapse. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of this condition in order to seek the appropriate medical treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify if your dog is suffering from tracheal collapse and the best course of action you can take. We will provide detailed information on the causes, diagnosis and treatment methods of tracheal collapse, as well as offer tips for providing the best care for your pet. With the right information and care, your pet can be on the road to recovery in no time.
Are there other conditions that can be similar to collapsing trachea?
Congestive heart failure and other potential causes of coughing must be ruled out. There are times when both heart disease and a collapsed trachea coexist.
Medical care, surgery, or a combination of the two approaches can be used to treat collapsing trachea. Your veterinarian will discuss the various treatment options. Most dogs will continue to cough at least occasionally throughout their lives, even with good control. Surgery to correct an issue is complicated, and only a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience should carry it out. For dogs with the condition, newer implant materials and techniques offer hope.
How is a collapsing trachea diagnosed?
A very light pressure applied to the trachea during a physical examination that results in coughing or breathing difficulty may raise the possibility of tracheal collapse. To confirm the diagnosis, tests like radiography (X-rays), endoscopy, or use of a bronchoscope are required.
Symptoms of of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
There isn’t a single known factor that accounts for all dog tracheal collapse cases. Congenital (present at birth) tracheal cartilage weakness appears to be a major contributing factor, but environmental factors and co-occurring illnesses are also significant. The majority of small breed dogs, particularly Yorkshire Terriers, are susceptible to tracheal collapse. While symptoms of tracheal collapse commonly appear in young adults in Yorkies, they typically do not until midlife or even later in other breeds.
A dog with a collapsing trachea has chronic, sporadic coughing fits that tend to get worse with activity, excitement, stress, consuming liquids, or when the trachea is compressed. The cough can have a distinct sound that is frequently compared to a goose-honk. In other words, how severely the airway narrows (or even closes completely) depends on the severity of the collapsing trachea in dogs. Retching, rapid or labored breathing, intolerance to exercise, blue-tinged gums, and fainting are additional symptoms that can occur.
None of the clinical manifestations of tracheal collapse are specific to this condition. An extensive health history and physical examination are the first steps a veterinarian will take to distinguish a collapsing trachea from other conditions. The veterinarian frequently causes a cough by pressing against the dog’s windpipe. When a dog is breathing, x-rays may occasionally show a collapsing trachea, but more sophisticated diagnostic procedures like fluoroscopy, a type of moving x-ray, or bronchoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with a tiny video camera into an anesthetized dog’s airways, may be required.
FAQ
How do I know if my dog’s trachea is collapsing?
The most prevalent clinical symptom is a persistent, dry, and harsh cough. It is sometimes described as a ‘goose honk’ cough. When anxious, when there is pressure on the trachea, such as from a collar, when it is hot or humid outside, or right after eating or drinking, the cough may get worse.
Can a collapsed trachea in a dog heal itself?
Unfortunately, a dog’s collapsing trachea cannot be treated. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep up with the treatments your vet has advised and to carefully watch how your dog is doing. Call your veterinarian for guidance if you ever notice that your dog’s cough or other symptoms are getting worse.
What does a dog with a collapsed trachea sound like?
A tracheal collapse in dogs causes a very distinctive dry cough that is frequently compared to the honking of a goose. Other warning signs to look out for are wheezing or breathing issues. Low energy.
What triggers collapsed trachea in dogs?
While the exact cause of collapsed trachea in dogs is unknown, there does appear to be a genetic component as certain breeds, such as Chihuahuas, are more susceptible to the condition. Lhasa apsos. Pomeranians.