Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive, irreversible disease of the trachea, or windpipe, and lower airways (mainstem bronchi collapse). The trachea is a flexible tube and, similar to a vacuum cleaner hose. It has small rings of cartilage that help keep the airway open when the dog is breathing, moving or coughing. The rings of cartilage are C-shaped, with the open part of the C facing upward. In some dogs, the C-shaped cartilage becomes weak and begins to flatten out. As the roof of the trachea stretches, the cartilage rings get flatter and flatter until the trachea collapses. The collapse can extend all the way into the bronchi (the tubes that feed air into the lungs), resulting in severe airway compromise in your pet.
Small breed dogs are most commonly affected with the disease, particularly Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, Poodles and Chihuahuas. Affected dogs are often middle aged or older, though it can be seen in some young dogs as well. Dogs that are overweight or that live in a household with smokers may be more at risk or at least more likely to show clinical signs.
Signs and Symptoms:
- harsh dry cough that sounds like a goose honking
- coughing when picked up or if someone pulls on their collar
- difficulty breathing
- exercise intolerance
- coughing or turning blue when excited
- fainting
- wheezy noise when they breathe inward
Treatment
- weight loss
- medications to reduce airway spasms and inflammation
- sedation to reduce coughing and anxiety
Some dogs may require heavy doses of sedation to break the coughing cycle, since coughing will irritate the airway and lead to more coughing. Additionally, dogs should be kept away from smoke and other environmental pollution (coughing may be even stimulated by smoke or other irritants brought in on clothing and hair). Dogs with infections are treated with antibiotics.
Medical management may work for up to 70% of dogs, particularly those that have mild collapse. As the disease progresses, some pets do not respond to medical management, and require surgical or interventional treatment. Medical management will need to be continued for life, even after other interventions.