Tracheal Collapse in Toy Breeds

From Pet Health Learning Center

Overview

Tracheal Collapse is a cartilage defect that may be hereditary. The trachea or windpipe is a rigid tube that connects the nose, mouth and throat to the lungs. Muscle connects the group of cartilage rings that form a C shape. Weak cartilage can make the C cartilage flatten. With a loss of curvature, the tracheal becomes loose and the membrane moves. As air enters into the chest, the membrane of intrathoracic trachea bloats outward. As air rushes out, the membrane droops in the C cartilage. The result is a tickling of the membrane that leads to coughing. With the collapse of the trachea, air cannot move in the obstructed airway. If the neck has abnormal tracheal rings, collapse often occurs during inhaling; if the chest has abnormal tracheal rings, the tracheal collapse usually occurs during expiration. The tracheal collapse may occur along the entire length. Especially serious is where the trachea enters the chest.

Toy breed dogs afflicted include Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers and Pomeranians.

Factors may include genetics, nutrition, neurological abnormalities, allergies and tracheal cartilage degeneration.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Canines may not show signs until another problem adds complications. Symptoms include coughing, retching, panting, or rapid breathing that can bring on the collapse. Dogs may emit a dry “goose honk.” Anxiety worsens the condition and starts a cycle. The trachea generates inflammation and increased secretions that may lead to more coughing and inflammation. As the tissue of the tracheal changes, the condition worsens. Some dogs may show a bluish tinge in their mucus membranes. In severe cases, if the canine is excited and drinks too quickly or is overheated, some may faint from the lack of oxygen to the brain.

During diagnosis may take in the following factors: obesity, respiratory infection and irritants, heart enlargement. Assessing if the trachea is sensitive to palpation is considered. Under anaesthesia, the veterinarian may place an endotracheal tube. Both inspiratory and expiratory x-rays of the chest and cervical trachea can help locate the area.

Diagnosis can rule out other diseases or disorders that also obstruct the upper airways. Advanced diagnostic procedures include bronchoscopy, blood gas analysis, and fluoroscopy.

Treatment

No cure exists for Tracheal Collapse as yet. Treatment of Tracheal Collapse can address secondary problems such as weight loss and irritants. Treatment may be in the form of antibiotics to clear infection, cough suppressants or corticosteroids to decrease mucus secretions in the short term. Dog owners can help by reducing irritants in the air and refraining from smoking.

Surgery may involve placing a prosthesis that acts as a non-collapsible tube. Canines severely affected may require hospitalization. Rest, medication and oxygen supplementation will help alleviate symptoms. Surgery will let the dogs lead a more active life. Dogs can breathe easier and cough less. Respiratory disease may require less medical attention.

Owners may walk their dog with a harness instead of a collar. A harness will not apply pressure to the dog’s neck.