If you’ve ever heard your pup blurt out a strange honking cough, or maybe even struggle to breathe, then you know something’s wrong. One of the reasons could be tracheal collapse.
In simple terms, it’s a condition that occurs when the trachea, or windpipe, weakens and starts to flatten. This makes it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs. As a result, dogs will experience respiratory symptoms. The condition is also progressive and worsens over time.
In this blog, we’ll talk more about tracheal collapse in dogs, from the causes to the treatment options.
What Causes Tracheal Collapse in Dogs?
Tracheal collapse is primarily caused by a weakening of the cartilage rings that support the windpipe.
Think of it as a flexible tube made up of small, C-shaped cartilage rings. In healthy dogs, these rings hold the airways open. In dogs with tracheal collapse, these rings begin to soften and lose shape.
Genetic Causes
Some dog breeds are just born with weaker tracheal cartilage, meaning they are more prone to collapse as they grow older. These dogs may start showing signs of respiratory issues earlier in life. This is especially common in dogs such as:
Age
As dogs age, their tracheal cartilage can naturally weaken and lose their rigidity. This degeneration reduces the trachea’s ability to stay open during breathing. This progressively increases the risk of collapse and other symptoms.
Chronic Respiratory Disease
Conditions such as chronic bronchitis and kennel cough can cause frequent inflammation and coughing. Over time, this constant irritation can damage the tracheal lining and the cartilage rings. The more this goes on, the more strain is placed on the vulnerable airway.
Obesity
Excess weight can also put additional strain and pressure on a dog’s chest and airway. This makes it more difficult to breathe. Additionally, obese dogs tend to have reduced respiratory efficiency, worsening the effects of tracheal collapse.
Environmental Irritants
Constant exposure to smoke, dust, pollen, and other irritants can also inflame a dog’s airways. Over time, dogs with sensitive tracheas can experience coughing fits, further weakening the structure. Dogs with other pre-existing conditions related to this area will be affected greatly.
Collar Pressure
Excessive use of collars when paired with a leash can put direct pressure on the trachea. Repeated pressure and sudden jerks can damage the cartilage, leading to collapse. A harness is always the better and safer choice for dogs.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Collapsed Trachea?
The signs often consist of respiratory issues that can worsen over time. Common symptoms of tracheal collapse in dogs include:
Honking cough. A honking cough is often the most recognizable symptom of canine tracheal collapse. The situation worsens when dogs become excited, exercise, are pulled on a leash, or are exposed to prolonged heat.
Wheezing or labored breathing. You might also hear a raspy and noisy sound when your dog breathes. This happens due to the narrowing of the airways, which restricts airflow. Dogs will have more difficulty catching their breath and may take time to recuperate.
Exercise intolerance. Dogs with tracheal collapse often tire quickly or struggle to keep up on walks and playtime. They may choose to stop more frequently and will have significantly lower energy levels. In some cases, they’ll decide not to move at all.
Gagging or retching. Some dogs gag or retch to clear their throat, which is often a response to tracheal irritation.
Blue or pale gums. When a dog isn’t getting enough oxygen, the gums may appear pale or blue. If you notice this, then it’s considered a medical emergency.
Fainting or collapse. In extreme cases of oxygen deprivation, dogs may faint and collapse. This should never be ignored.
How Do Vets Diagnose Tracheal Collapse in Dogs?
If you notice any of the signs, then an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Physical Exam
We’ll start with a physical exam to study your dog’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Our vets will check on your dog’s trachea by gently pressing on it and seeing if it triggers the characteristic cough. We’ll also listen to the heart and lungs to check for abnormal sounds.
Diagnostic Imaging
If we suspect tracheal collapse, we can proceed to check your dog’s internal structures with X-rays. This technology allows us to see if your dog’s trachea is narrowed or collapsed, especially near the neck or chest area.
Since tracheal collapse can be dynamic, we may also perform a fluoroscopy. It’s a specialized type of moving X-ray that shows how the trachea behaves during your dog's breathing. This gives us real-time, moving X-ray images, unlike standard static X-rays.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy can also be done to visualize the trachea. This is done by inserting a small camera into the airway while the dog is under anesthesia. An endoscopy gives us the clearest view of the extent and location of the tracheal collapse.
Other Tests
To rule out other conditions, we may also conduct separate tests as needed. This may include bloodwork, tracheal wash, additional diagnostic imaging tools, and an echocardiogram.
Grading the Severity of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
Based on our diagnosis, we’ll classify your dog’s condition into four grades, from I to IV. This grade will depend on your dog’s tracheal lumen, also known as the hollow, inner space of the trachea. It can be seen here:
Grade | Severity | Tracheal Narrowing |
|---|---|---|
I | Mild | 25% |
II | Moderate | 50% |
III | Severe | 75% |
IV | Critical | 100% |
Grades I and II will present mild to moderate coughing, exercise intolerance, and potentially labored breathing. Grades III and IV will have more severe symptoms, such as increased coughing, difficulty breathing, and potentially, collapse.
Tracheal Collapse in Dogs Treatment Options
Tracheal collapse is not fully curable, but the condition can be managed. Treatment will depend on the grade of your dog’s tracheal narrowing, but most utilize similar methods, just in varying intensity.
Medical Management
Medication is often the first line of treatment for dogs with tracheal collapse.
Cough suppressants. These medications help control the honking cough that causes irritation in the trachea of dogs. Common examples include hydrocodone and butorphanol.
Bronchodilators. These medications are used to help open up the airways and improve airflow for affected dogs. They do this by relaxing the muscles of the airways and are helpful for dogs with labored breathing. These include theophylline and albuterol.
Anti-inflammatory medications. These drugs reduce swelling in the tracheal lining and decrease airway sensitivity. Prednisone is a common medicine used.
Anti-anxiety medications. These sedatives are useful for dogs who cough easily when they get anxious and stressed, helping avoid breathing difficulties.
Antibiotics. If a secondary infection is present, we’ll prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgical methods will be used. These include:
Extraluminal tracheal rings. Plastic rings will be surgically placed around the outer part of the trachea to provide support and prevent collapse. It’s a method used for cases of canine tracheal collapse in the neck area.
Intraluminal stents. These are metallic stents that are placed inside the trachea, holding it open and providing support. The stents can be used for tracheal collapse in the neck and chest areas.
Recovery for Dogs With Tracheal Collapse
Changing a few things around the house and your dog’s lifestyle will be important to help with recovery. Plus, these tips can also be used to help reduce the risk of this condition and many other diseases.
Switch to a harness instead of a collar
Switching to a harness prevents direct pressure on the dog’s neck, which can trigger or worsen tracheal collapse. It’s one of the simplest but most effective changes you can make.
Maintain a healthy weight for your dog
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces the stress on the trachea and helps keep your dog’s condition stabilized.
Use air purifiers and humidifiers
Since airborne irritants can contribute to tracheal collapse, make use of air purifiers and humidifiers to keep the air clean and soothing.
Encourage gentle exercise
To help with weight without causing problems, gentle exercise and walks are encouraged. This can consist of short walks, puzzles, and controlled swimming.
“When it comes to your dog’s health, every breath counts.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
Tracheal collapse is a challenging condition to deal with, but it can be managed with complete care and consistency. Medicines, lifestyle adjustments, and veterinary support are essential for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
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