A Primer On Collapsing Trachea

Collapsing trachea is seen mainly in small breeds of dogs, such as Toy Poodles, Yorkies, and Pomeranians.

It often shows up in puppies or young dogs but worsens with age. That is because secondary inflammation narrows the trachea, making it even more challenging to breathe in air.

Introduction

The trachea—windpipe—carries the air your dog breathes from its nose (or mouth) through the airways into the lungs. 

It is made up of rings of cartilage connected by fibrous tissue. The cartilage rings give the trachea its round, tube shape. In some dogs, the cartilage rings are weaker than normal. As a result, the pressure inside the trachea increases when the dog breathes in, causing the rings to collapse and the trachea flattens.

Symptoms of collapsing trachea

The collapsed rings make breathing more difficult, resulting in a honking cough, especially during excitement or exercise.

Mildly affected dogs have the characteristic honking cough and may tire more easily during play or exercise. Severely affected dogs can collapse and even pass out because of breathing problems, which is an emergency.

Collapsing trachea diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on physical examination and your problem description.

However, your veterinarian may need to take an x-ray or examine the inside of the trachea with an endoscope. This long, lighted, flexible tube can be passed inside the body for viewing internal structures.

Treatment of collapsing trachea

All dogs with collapsing trachea should be kept fit and trim because obesity makes breathing more difficult.

Mildly affected dogs often do fine with very little therapy so long as they are at a healthy weight. However, severely affected dogs may need specialized surgery to reinforce the cartilage rings. This procedure is technically tricky, so your vet may refer you to a specialist or veterinary teaching hospital.

Related articles:
Coughing in Dogs: Why Is My Dog Coughing and Should I Worry?
Collapsing Trachea in Dogs: The Kennel Cough Cock Up – Kupo’s Story

Further reading:
Collapsing Trachea in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know