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Tracheal Collapse - Respiratory Problem

Tracheal Collapse is a narrowing of the trachea (windpipe) to a loss in rigidity in some small dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Chihuahuas and other toy and miniature dog breeds. Symptoms include a cough, especially after exercise, noisy breathing and gagging.

Trachea is a tube or system of tubes that carries air. The trachea serves as passage for air, moistens and warms it while it passes into the lungs, and protects the respiratory surface from an accumulation of foreign particles.

Tracheal collapse is a narrowing of the inner diameter of the trachea. It is a common problem in middle-aged, small-breed dogs, especially in Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, and Pomeranians.

CAUSES Evidence show that tracheal collapse is caused by many factors including genetic predisposition of the breed, nutritional factors, neurologic abnormalities, and tracheal cartilage degeneration.

SIGNS Some dogs will have chronic "goose-honk" cough, noisy breathing and gagging, wheezing, hacking, and exercise intolerance. In severe cases there may be a bluish discoloration to the gums and skin because of a lack of oxygen, and the dog may faint. These symptoms are more severe in obese animals. Other animals may have no cough at all. The disease is diagnosed by using radiographs, thorough evaluation and other methods. Response to medical therapy is usually temporary and the disease typically progresses.

TREATMENT Treatment usually includes reducing coughing and chronic airway injury, keeping the dog away from irritants, such as cigarette smoke, exposure to extreme cold, heat or humidity, using a harness instead of a collar, reducing food intake (if the dog is overweight), and vaccinations to prevent tracheal inflammations. In severe cases emergency surgery is performed and application of prostheses. Surgery relieves many of the signs of tracheal obstruction but does not cure the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are expected to give the dog a better quality life. Following surgery, most dogs are more active, breathe easier, cough less, and require less medical treatment for respiratory disease.

Dog breeds that are predisposed to collapsed trachea

References:
1. PubMed Central (PMC)

Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.