Tracheal Collapse
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Our guide has been authored by qualified veterinarians, but should not be taken as substitute for medical advice or professional veterinary consultation. If your pet displays any unusual symptoms, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a veterinarian
Understanding Tracheal Collapse in dogs
The trachea is the tube responsible for carrying air from the mouth and nose to the lungs. It is supported by cartilage rings and muscles that provide structural support. When these rings weaken or lose their rigidity, the walls of the trachea collapse during inhalation, affecting the normal airflow from the larynx to the lungs.
Bailey's story
Initially, everyone assumed that Bailey, an 8-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, had swallowed a tiny rubber squeaky toy. She roamed the house emitting odd sounds, especially when guests arrived, which led to her excitedly jumping around. Initially, it didn't appear to bother her much. However, a few days later, during a routine walk, she suffered a severe coughing attack and appeared to be on the brink of collapse. Rachel and Danny, her owners, hurried her to the emergency vet clinic where Bailey was diagnosed with a severe case of tracheal collapse. She was placed in an oxygen cage and administered sedative medications. Once she stabilized, she underwent a procedure to implant a stent in her trachea, keeping it constantly open. Bailey recovered within two hours and was discharged home the following day. Since then, she has fully recovered, no longer emitting the sounds she used to make.
Tracheal Collapse's Causes: Uncovering Triggers
The exact cause of tracheal collapse is not yet clear, but it is speculated that there are several contributing factors:
- Genetic predisposition – Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to tracheal collapse, especially toy, and small breeds.
- Aging – Tracheal collapse is more common in older dogs, as the cartilage rings naturally weaken with age.
- Excess weight – Obesity and excessive weight can exert additional pressure on the trachea and increase the risk of collapse, especially in at-risk breeds.
- Trauma – Physical pressure on the trachea, such as in the case of collar pulling during walks, can also contribute to the weakening of tracheal cartilage and increase the risk of collapse.
- Irritation or chronic inflammation – Chronic irritation of the trachea due to allergies, infections, or exposure to substances like smoke or dust, can weaken the tracheal cartilage over time, leading to collapse.
- Neurological origin – Damage to the nerves controlling the tracheal muscles that contribute to collapse.
- Congenital defects – In rare cases, dogs may be born with defects or lack of supporting cartilage rings in the trachea, and signs of the disease may appear at a young age.
Recognizing Tracheal Collapse: Signs and Symptoms
- Dry goose-like cough: One of the recognizable signs of tracheal collapse.
- Breathing difficulties: Increased respiratory effort, rapid or labored breathing, as well as signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing or noisy breathing.
- Difficulty with physical activity: Due to compromised airways, these dogs may have difficulty performing physical activities, easily become tired, or show signs of respiratory distress during or after physical activity.
- Vomiting or regurgitation: Especially after eating or drinking.
- Change in tongue or gum color (cyanosis): In severe cases where oxygen supply is significantly compromised, the color of the lips, gums, or tongue may change bluish due to inadequate oxygenation of the tissues. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
The disease can range from mild to severe and includes four severity grades that also determine the type of symptoms.
Tracheal Collapse Diagnosis: How it's Identified
The veterinarian will begin with a thorough physical examination of respiratory patterns and perform chest X-rays – mainly to rule out other problems or check for secondary complications. In addition, fluoroscopy will be used (often at a specialty center) – an imaging technique that allows the veterinarian to visualize the trachea during breathing to assess its function, and bronchoscopy will be performed – namely, the insertion of a flexible tube with a camera into the trachea and bronchi to assess their diameter and function.
Treating Tracheal Collapse: Options and Approaches
Treatment options for tracheal collapse in dogs vary depending on the severity of the condition:
- Lifestyle changes – Maintaining proper body weight, reducing exposure to irritants (such as smoke, dust, or strong odors), transitioning from a collar to a harness to reduce pressure on the trachea, and avoiding strenuous physical activity.
- Medical treatment – Cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms effectively.
- Surgical intervention – In severe cases where medical treatment is not sufficient, a stent can be inserted into the trachea to provide support and keep the airways open.
Tracheal Collapse: Surprising Facts
The rings that hold the trachea resemble the rigid rings that surround the vacuum cleaner hose. That is, each one of them exerts a sub-pressure with each breath.
Often, tracheal collapse is discovered or worsens due to another disease - for example, heart enlargement due to valvular degeneration, which is very common in older small dogs. In these cases, treatment of the heart disease may also alleviate the symptoms of tracheal collapse.
Studies conducted in the Far East found that acupuncture can alleviate the clinical symptoms of tracheal collapse.
Vet's Tip: Dealing with Tracheal Collapse
Keep your dog away from factors that may irritate his airways, such as cigarette smoke and car exhaust. Avoid smoking indoors and walks on heavily polluted streets (remember that your dog is approximately at the height of the exhaust pipe). Transitioning from a collar to a chest harness may also ease the pressure on the airways.
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Latest in Research and Treatments
Until recently, the only treatment was complex surgical opening of the neck area, reaching the trachea, and external fixation of the rings – a surgery that includes quite a few complications and relatively low success rates. In recent years, tracheal stents, which have been common in human medicine for years, have been introduced, meaning the insertion of a metal sleeve (stent) into the trachea while maintaining its normal diameter, all done with a camera and without the need for invasive surgery. The success rates of this procedure are over 90%, and the complication rate is much lower.
dogs breeds Prone to Tracheal Collapse
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