Your dog is your best friend, he always accompanies you and gives you love and fun. Your life will never be the same after adopting one. At our site we know that not only do you have to give him all the care, affection and food he needs, but also that his he alth should also be a priority for you.
The dog is an animal resistant to many diseases, but at some point it can suffer from an ailment, so you must be attentive to the signs. That is why we want to talk to you about tracheal collapse in dogs, its symptoms and treatment so that you can detect this condition early, which is more common in older dogs and in breeds small in size, which is why, for example, it is easier to diagnose tracheal collapse in chihuahuas or yorkshires.
What is tracheal collapse in dogs?
This is a condition that small breed dogs often suffer from. For example, we will find tracheal collapse in the Yorkshire Terrier and, above all, in the Miniature Poodle, the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian, the M altese Bichon or the Pekingese, among others. It consists of a deformation of the trachea, a tube that connects the upper part of the respiratory system with the lower part and is made up of C-shaped cartilaginous rings. When the dog inhales these rings, the trachea collapses, narrowing the space through which the air passes The obstruction of the trachea prevents sufficient air from circulating.
Collapsed trachea in dogs is a condition that is progressive and degenerative, so treatments, although they significantly improve quality of life of the dog, they are not able to cure it. It is usually diagnosed between 6 and 7 years of age, although it occasionally manifests in young dogs as a congenital defect.
Degrees of tracheal collapse in dogs
According to the phase or level of severity of the collapse, it can be divided into four degrees different, classified from 1 to 4. 1 is a minor deformation, while in grade 4 only a minimal amount of air would enter the respiratory tract.
Dogs with a higher predisposition to tracheal collapse
As we have pointed out, tracheal collapse is more common in small or miniature dogs and affects more specimens ofadvanced age But, in addition, there are other dogs with a greater predisposition to suffer this collapse. They are those with obesity or those with chronic bronchitis The age and breed of the dog They are not factors that can be changed, but it is possible to control the weight and put any disease that manifests in the hands of the veterinarian.
Causes of tracheal collapse in dogs
The exact origin of tracheal collapse in dogs is unknown. It is believed to be a phenomenon involving different factors. Some, like obesity or race, we've already mentioned, but there may be others, for example:
- Exposure to different agents that can be irritating or allergenic to the dog's respiratory tract.
- Demineralization of cartilage rings.
- Trauma in the area.
- Heart disease.
- Chronic respiratory pathologies.
- Also, tracheal collapse could be congenital, in which case the dog would be born with it.
Symptoms of tracheal collapse in dogs
- Goose cough.
- Nausea.
- Dyspnoea.
- Gaps.
- Suffocation.
- Noise while breathing.
Goose cough in dogs usually manifests sporadically when tracheal collapse is minimal, usually in situations of stress or strong emotions, and becomes constant when the condition worsens. Due to its characteristics, it is possible to confuse it with kennel cough, although as it is accompanied by other symptoms it can be easily ruled out.
Because tracheal collapse worsens over time, which prevents the animal from receiving the amount of oxygen it needs, it is common for them to reach to develop other diseases, such as bronchitis, tracheitis or even pulmonary hypertension that, in the long run, can lead to heart failure.
Diagnosis of tracheal collapse in dogs
Only the veterinarian is able to determine if your dog suffers from tracheal collapse or if it is one of the most common respiratory diseases in dogs. Cardiac and pulmonary pathologies must be ruled out. The most common is to perform a x-ray to examine the condition of the trachea and the rest of the respiratory system.
In addition, this can be complemented with a fluoroscopy, which allows studying the behavior of the pathways during the breathing process. The specialist may also recommend a tracheobronchoscopy to better see the condition of the cartilage.
Treatment for tracheal collapse in dogs
When the symptoms are mild or moderate, the dog can improve its quality of life with drugs, a good diet, moderate exercise and a life without stress. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be used. We explain it in more detail below.
Medications for tracheal collapse in dogs
With regard to drugs, bronchodilators are recommended to promote breathing, in addition to antibiotics if there is an infection. The use of corticosteroids or antitussives is also contemplated if necessary due to the intensity of the cough. Also, if you are wondering how to relieve tracheal collapse in dogs, mild sedatives can be prescribed to reduce anxiety, as nervousness further stimulates coughing and makes breathing difficult.
Of course, all of these medications, as well as their dosages, must be prescribed by a veterinarian. The objective of the drugs is to reduce the discomfort of the symptoms and improve the dog's quality of life, even if they are not going to cure the condition.
Surgery for tracheal collapse in dogs
Surgery is recommended only in the most severe cases. However, not all patients can be sent to the operating room, it will depend on each dog. Surgical intervention seeks to rebuild the shape of the trachea and can even resort to placing a prosthesis or endotracheal implants to improve respiratory function. Bear in mind that complications may occur.
Can a dog die of tracheal collapse?
In general, dogs do not die from tracheal collapse The symptoms they are going to present warn us well in advance to go to the vet. In addition, we must know that in most cases it is possible to carry out adequate management to keep our dog with a good quality of life, even if the disease cannot be cured. Thanks to treatment, it is possible that the life expectancy of a dog with tracheal collapse is not altered, which does not mean that complications cannot arise.
How to avoid tracheal collapse in dogs?
By attending to your triggers, tracheal collapse in dogs can be prevented. In addition to following the treatment indicated by the specialist to the letter, here are some tips that will help you provide a better quality of life for your furry friend:
- Protect him from temperatures that are too hot or too cold, as well as from contaminated spaces that could affect his airways, such as those in where there is smoke, dust, strong odors, etc.
- Control his diet to keep him at a he althy weight, since an obese dog has more difficulty breathing.
- Avoid putting on him the typical collars and chains for dogs, as these only put pressure on his neck when you want to attract him to you. Use a harness, it will be much more comfortable and he althy for him.
- Do not make big changes to the dog's routine, as this could stress him out and affect his breathing.
- Also, don't try to force him to do rough exercises.
