Collapsed Trachea in Dogs

A collapsed trachea in dogs is when their windpipe is not sturdy enough to function properly. This is because the cartilaginous rings of the trachea are too weak to hold the shape of the trachea and squashes it flatter than it should be. It does not mean the trachea is completely flat, otherwise the dog would be able to get oxygen to the lungs and they would die.

The reason the trachea is formed in this way is usually due to genetic inheritance. A congenital issues has meant the dog's windpipe has not been developed properly when they are puppies, leading to problems later on in life. Since the trachea is affected, it will cause the dog various respiratory problems. These will depend on whether the problem is extrathoracic or intrathoracic, i.e. whether the problem occurs in the neck or chest, respectively.

In most cases, tracheal collapse is progressive and degenerative. With congenital-caused collapsed trachea in dogs, the problem may not present until they are older. It is usually diagnosed in dogs between 6 and 7 years of age. If it does manifest before the age of 12 months, it indicates a more serious condition.

According to the phase or level of severity in which the collapse occurs, a collapsed trachea can be divided into four different degrees. 1 is a minor deformation and 4 is when only a minimum amount of air enters the respiratory tract. More than this means the dog will not be able to breathe at all.

As we have stated above, the majority of causes of tracheal collapse in dogs is congenital. However, it is also possible for a dog to have an acquired tracheal collapse. This occurs due to the following causes:

• Trauma: if the dog receives trauma to the throat and neck area, it can cause the cartilage of the trachea to break and result in collapse. This could occur from a fall, a collision or any similar type of injury.
• Heart disease: heart disease in dogs can lead to various symptoms, a heavy cough being one of them. Prolonged coughing can result in the weakening of the trachea and collapse.
• Cushing's syndrome: a similar issue is Cushing's syndrome in dogs, a problem which can also lead to wheezing and weakening of the trachea.
• Other respiratory illnesses: especially with upper respiratory tract diseases in dogs, coughing and other symptoms can weaken the muscles and cartilage.

Dog breeds most susceptible to tracheal collapse

Since genetics plays a factor, it is understandable that some breeds will be more likely to develop a collapsed trachea than others. The breeds most prone to this problem are:

• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Pomeranian
• Maltese
• Pekingese

Brachycephalic dog breeds are more likely to develop respiratory problems. For this reason, there are more likely to develop laryngeal or tracheal collapse, but it will depend on the individual dog. In some cases, this can be fatal in brachycephalic breeds^[1].

The most common symptoms of a tracheal collapse in dogs are:

• Dry cough
• Sickness
• Dyspnoea (labored breathing)
• Gasping/wheezing
• Suffocation
• Strange breathing noises

Our dog can develop a cough for various reasons, many of which will pass with treatment. Some of these can be seen when our dog has a dry cough and gags. However, when this problem persists, we need to see a doctor. Since the problem is progressive, it is possible the coughing will be minimal at the beginning. However, the problem will start to become worse.

There are risk factors for a collapsed trachea, more than their breed. If they start to develop the problem, it can be expedited or worsened due to stress or heavy exercise. We might see the dog show more symptoms during these periods.

As tracheal collapse worsens over time. it prevents the animal from receiving the amount of oxygen it needs. For this reason, it is common for the dog to develop other diseases such as bronchitis, tracheitis or even pulmonary hypertension. In the long run, this can lead to heart failure in dogs.

Only the vet is able to determine if your dog suffers tracheal collapse or if it is another more common respiratory disease in dogs. The most common initial diagnostic tool is to perform an X-ray. In this way, the veterinarian can observe the condition of the trachea and the rest of the respiratory system can also be examined.

In addition, this can be complemented with a fluoroscope analysis. This allows studying the behavior of the pathways during the breathing process. The specialist may also recommend a tracheobronchoscopy in order to better observe the state of the cartilage. This involves inserting a camera into the trachea, but the dog will need to be sedated.

When it comes to the first three grades of tracheal collapse, drug treatment is chosen. However, if the condition has progressed to grade 4, surgical intervention will be required for effective treatment:

• Medication: bronchodilators are recommended to promote breathing, in addition to antibiotics if there is a secondary infection. Corticosteroids will also be used and, if necessary, a sedative to reduce anxiety. This is because a collapsed trachea can be very stressful for your dog, especially if it feels as if they cannot breathe. All medications and dosages will need to be prescribed by the veterinarian. The aim of the drugs is to reduce the effect of the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the dog, although they are not capable of curing the condition.

• Surgery: surgical intervention is recommended only when the dog has reached grade 4 tracheal collapse. However, not all dogs will be sent to the operating room, it will depend on each case whether or not this is a valid option. Surgical intervention seeks to reconstruct the shape of the trachea and it is even possible to resort to the placement of a prosthesis or endotracheal implants to improve respiratory function.

In addition to following the treatment indicated by the specialist, there are some things you can do to prevent the condition worsening and to help ensure the well-being of a dog with a collapsed trachea:

• Protect your dog from temperatures that are too high or too cold, as well as from contaminated spaces that could affect their lungs. These include areas where there is smoke, dust, strong odors or similar irritants.
• Control their diet to keep them at a healthy weight. A dog with obesity has more difficulty breathing.
• Avoid using typical collars and chains for dogs, as these can press on their neck when you pull on the leash. Use a harness as it will be much more comfortable and healthy for them.
• Keep their vaccinations up to date to avoid canine cough.
• Don't make big changes to your dog's routine as they could stress them out and affect their breathing.
• Do not try to make them perform heavy exercise. It is very common for dogs with tracheal collapse to incur injury in this way.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Collapsed Trachea in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Breathing diseases category.