Tracheal collapse is nothing more than a flattening of the trachea, usually dorsoventrally that can affect the trachea located in the neck (cervical trachea) or the part of the trachea within the chest cavity of the feline (thoracic trachea). This flattening causes the trachea to narrow on breathing and, therefore, the air has greater difficulty passing through, making it difficult for affected cats to breathe. Occasionally, tracheal collapse can occur together with laryngeal or bronchial collapse (flattening of the larynx or bronchi, respectively).
If you want to know more information about tracheal collapse in cats, its causes, symptoms and treatment, continue reading this article in our place.
What is tracheal collapse?
Tracheal collapse is called the flattening or narrowing of the trachea q that occurs from top to bottomgenerally, that is, dorsoventrally, which makes it difficult for the correct passage of air to the lung, affecting physiological breathing. It is a chronic, progressive and irreversible disease that can also affect the larynx and the main bronchi. When the collapse is lateral, it is generally due to an attempted surgical treatment or extrinsic compression.
The trachea is made up of cartilaginous rings and it is these that weaken and begin to flatten, becoming flatter until it collapses, although collapse can also occur in the dorsal tracheal membrane. This collapse can spread to the main bronchi (the two branches of the trachea that directly supply air to the lungs) which can cause serious airway damage respiratory diseases of the cat.
In the collapsed areas of the trachea inflammation and metaplasia occur in the squamous epithelium and in the submucosa we find a greater number of mucous glands, congested blood vessels and dilated lymphatic vessels.
In turn, tracheal collapse can be of various degrees:
- Grade I: the trachea is practically normal, with a 25% lumen reduction due to partial scaling of the dorsal tracheal membrane.
- Grade II: the cartilages of the trachea are somewhat flattened, the tracheal membrane is oscillating and widened, and the lumen of the trachea is 50% reduced.
- Grade III: the tracheal membrane is practically in contact with the dorsal surface of the cartilages, which are almost flattened and the lumen of the trachea is reduced by 75%.
- Grade IV: the dorsal membrane is in contact with the dorsal surface of the tracheal cartilages, which are flattened and the lumen of trachea almost completely obliterated.
You may also be interested in this other article on Bronchitis in cats, its symptoms, causes and treatment.
Causes of tracheal collapse in cats
Tracheal collapse in cats is rare and generally has a hereditary predisposition due to an inherited congenital defect.
The main causes of tracheal collapse in cats are as follows:
- Tracheal cartilage mineralization defects: which may be congenital or acquired.
- Neurological deficiencies: such as megaesophagus. You can take a look at this article to learn how to detect nutritional deficiencies in cats.
- Nutritional changes: these can be sudden and abrupt.
- Obesity: here you can find more information about Obesity in cats, its causes and treatment.
- Respiratory system infections: don't hesitate to consult this other post on our site about respiratory diseases in cats.
- Airway obstructions.
Symptoms of tracheal collapse in cats
Older cats, obese cats, and cats living with caregivers who smoke are at increased risk for signs associated with tracheal collapse. Therefore, some of the clinical signs that we find in cats with narrowing of the trachea may be the following:
- Respiratory distress: also known as dyspnea.
- Tracheal stridor.
- Stress of the right heart: due to respiratory insufficiency also as cor pulmonale.
- Bronchopneumonia.
- Fainting or syncope: if you are wondering why my cat faints? You can discover the answer in this article that we recommend.
- Wheezing sounds on inspiration.
- Cough when picking up the cat or drinking cold water: don't hesitate to read this post on our site about Cough in cats, its symptoms, causes and treatment.
- Dry, harsh cough: Easily stimulated by palpation of the trachea and has a sound reminiscent of a goose cawing.
- Exercise intolerance.
- Hepatomegaly.
- Cough or bluish discoloration: after excitement or exercise, even mild.
Diagnosis of tracheal collapse in cats
In diagnosing tracheal collapse in cats, a history and physical examination of the cat must be performed, in addition to blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and diagnostic imaging tests.
- The blood test and biochemistry: these are basic tests to perform to determine the general he alth of the cat.
- The lung auscultation: where lung sounds can range from normal to stridor or wheezing.
- The cardiac auscultation: where the sounds of the heart may be normal or present a murmur due to development of alteration or cardiac effort.
- The electrocardiogram: showing chronic respiratory effort with a prominent P wave.
Due to the more or less severe dyspnea that cats with tracheal collapse can show, diagnostic tests can become dangerous. The best diagnostic test for tracheal collapse is radiography Since collapse lasts for a very short time in a cat's respiration, lateral radiographs should be taken of the thoracic and cervical trachea during inspiration and expiration in a non-anesthetized cat and, if possible, a motion radiograph to detect yes or yes the moment of collapse.
You can also perform an endoscopy of the trachea to look inside the trachea and allow samples to be taken for culture if infection is suspected or for histopathological study.
Treatment for tracheal collapse in cats
Tracheal collapse therapy in cats can be medical or surgical, the former being non-curative but generally improving the symptoms and quality of life of the little feline.
Medical treatment of feline tracheal collapse
The main drugs or group of drugs used in the symptomatic treatment of feline tracheal collapse aim to reduce spasms, airway inflammation and breathingusually. These include the following:
- Bronchodilators.
- Sedatives: to reduce anxiety, stress and cough. Read this article to learn more about Anxiety in cats, its symptoms and treatment.
- Antitussives.
- Expectorants.
- Antibiotics: only if there is a confirmed infection.
- Corticosteroids: only in cases of severe tracheal collapse, associated with inhaled bronchodilators.
- Diet: if overweight or obese. Check this post to know how to prevent obesity in cats.
You have to take into consideration that you have to prevent the cat from being exposed to tobacco smoke or irritating chemical products in the environment that They can damage your airways. In addition, the application of a humidifier must be taken into account if radiators are used in the home.
Surgical treatment of feline tracheal collapse
Although the vast majority of cats with tracheal collapse with support treatment improve, in the most severe cases or in which medical treatment is not effective, treatment can be considered through surgery with three different procedures to choose:
- Tracheal ring prosthesis: Placing plastic rings or coils around the outside of the trachea
- Placing a stent (hollow tube): into the trachea to keep it open.
- Chondrothromia: or cartilage cut, not always effective.
- Tracheal resection and anastomosis.
Most cats are discharged 24 to 48 hours after surgery, with medical treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and antitussives.
