What Leads to Tracheal Collapse in Canines
Feb 11,2025 | puaintapets
Tracheal collapse is a relatively common and potentially serious condition in dogs. It can significantly impact a dog's quality of life and may require long - term management. Understanding what causes tracheal collapse is crucial for veterinarians, dog owners, and those involved in canine health.
What Is Tracheal Collapse in Dogs?
The trachea is a tube that carries air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. It is made up of cartilage rings that are typically rigid to keep the airway open. In dogs with tracheal collapse, these cartilage rings weaken, become soft, and can flatten under pressure. This narrowing of the airway makes it difficult for the dog to breathe properly.
Tracheal collapse is often described as a “honk-like” or “goose-like cough” because of the characteristic sound produced when the airway is obstructed. The condition can range from mild to severe, with some dogs experiencing only occasional coughing, while others may struggle to breathe.
Symptoms of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
The main symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs are as follows.
1. Cough
- Dry cough
Initially, the cough may be intermittent and dry. As the disease progresses, the cough will become frequent and severe, especially after excitement, exercise, eating and drinking, or when stimulated, the cough will be aggravated, and in some dogs, the cough may be accompanied by dry heaving and vomiting.
- Goosebumps Cough
This is a typical symptom of collapsed trachea. When coughing, the dog will make a sound similar to a goose call, which is an abnormal sound due to the narrowing or deformation of the trachea, resulting in poor airflow through the trachea.
2. Difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath
Dogs will have a faster breathing rate, and even open mouth breathing, especially in serious conditions or after exercise, the symptoms of shortness of breath will be more obvious.
Also Read: Labored Breathing in Dogs (Dog Shortness of Breath):Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
- Inspiratory dyspnea
When the neck trachea collapses, the dog may have obvious difficulty in inhaling, which is manifested by neck stretching and difficulty in chest expansion during inhalation.
3. Collapsed neck trachea
- Expiratory dyspnea
When the trachea collapses in the chest, the dog may have difficulty exhaling, which may be characterized by abdominal muscle exertion and prolonged expiration.
4.Other symptoms
- Exercise intolerance
Due to respiratory distress and insufficient oxygen supply, the dog will show decreased exercise capacity, easy fatigue, reluctance to move, and increased shortness of breath and coughing even with light exercise.
- Abnormal Breathing Sounds
In addition to goose sounds, abnormal breath sounds such as rales and rhonchi may be heard in the trachea, which are caused by narrowing of the trachea, inflammation or increased secretions.
- Cyanosis
In severe cases, the dog's tongue, gums, and other parts of the body may become cyanotic, i.e., turn purple in color, which is due to a lack of oxygen.
- Coma
If a collapsed trachea leads to severe respiratory distress and oxygen deprivation, the dog may develop a coma or even a life-threatening condition.
What Causes Tracheal Collapse in Dogs?
Tracheal collapse can be caused by a variety of factors, both genetic and environmental. The primary causes and risk factors include:
1. Genetic Factors
Genetics play a significant role in tracheal collapse. Certain dog breeds are predisposed to this condition due to inherited weaknesses in the cartilage that supports the trachea. Genetic abnormalities can cause the tracheal rings to be malformed or overly flexible, leading to collapse.
Breeds at High Risk:
- Chihuahuas
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Pomeranians
- Shih Tzus
- Maltese
- Dachshunds
- Toy Poodles
These breeds are more likely to develop tracheal collapse due to their small size and genetic predisposition.
2. Obesity
- Obesity is a significant factor contributing to tracheal collapse in dogs. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the trachea, especially when the dog moves or breathes. The fatty tissue around the neck and chest can compress the trachea, reducing its diameter and making it more likely to collapse. For example, a dog that is severely overweight may experience more difficulty breathing and a higher risk of tracheal collapse compared to a dog at a healthy weight.
- Obesity can also exacerbate any existing anatomical or genetic weaknesses in the trachea. The added stress on the trachea due to the extra weight can accelerate the process of collapse.
3. Respiratory Irritants
Exposure to environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and strong odors can contribute to the weakening of the trachea. Cigarette smoke is particularly harmful and can exacerbate respiratory issues in dogs, including tracheal collapse. Prolonged exposure to these irritants may cause chronic inflammation in the airway, which can worsen the condition over time.
4. Infections and Respiratory Diseases
Chronic cough, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases can lead to congestion, swelling and increased secretions in the mucosa of the trachea and bronchi, which can irritate the cartilage and muscles of the trachea for a long period of time, causing damage to their structure and function, which in turn can lead to tracheal collapse.
5. Trauma or Injury
Trauma to the neck or chest, tracheotomy and other surgeries may damage the cartilage and muscles of the trachea, leading to tracheal collapse.
6.Other factors
For example, ageing leads to a decrease in the elasticity and support of tracheal cartilage and muscles, and the side effects of certain medications may also be associated with the occurrence of tracheal collapse.
Diagnosis of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
To diagnose tracheal collapse, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend additional tests such as:
1. Clinical questioning and physical examination
Medical history taking: to understand the dog's breed, age, body weight, cough characteristics (such as “goose-like” cough), exercise tolerance, respiratory abnormalities (such as dyspnea, wheezing) and so on.
Auscultation: Examination of respiratory sounds with a stethoscope. Tracheal collapse is often accompanied by abnormal respiratory sounds (e.g., rales, wet rales) during expiration or inspiration.
Palpation: light pressure on the cervical trachea may induce a cough (a positive response suggests a sensitive trachea).
2. Imaging
X-ray examination:
- Lateral view: tracheal morphology is visualized, and the collapsed area may show a reduction in tracheal diameter (normal tracheal diameter is approximately equal to the width of the third rib).
- Dynamic X-ray: taken during inspiration/expiration, dynamic changes in tracheal collapse can be detected (e.g., intrathoracic trachea collapses during expiration).
Fluoroscopy (dynamic imaging): real-time observation of morphological changes in the trachea during the respiratory cycle with high sensitivity.
CT/MRI: high-resolution images can show the structure of the trachea more clearly, but anesthesia is required and the risk is higher.
3. Endoscopy
Tracheoscopy: direct observation of the inner lumen of the trachea, assessment of the degree of collapse, location and mucosal status (e.g., congestion, secretion), and can exclude foreign bodies or tumors.
Bronchoscopy: to check whether the distal airway is involved (e.g. bronchial collapse).
4. Laboratory tests
Blood count and biochemistry: to screen for infection, inflammation or other systemic diseases.
Cardiac examination: e.g. echocardiography (to screen for secondary factors such as cardiac hypertrophy and mitral valve disease).
How to Treat Tracheal Collapse in Dogs ?
There are several main treatments for collapsed trachea in dogs.
1. Conservative treatment
- Medication
Use cough suppressants to reduce the frequency of coughing and relieve symptoms.
- Life management
Avoid over-excitement and stress to prevent neck compression, as these conditions can increase tracheal pressure and lead to worsening of symptoms. In obese dogs, weight control is necessary to minimize pressure on the trachea from fat accumulation in the neck and chest.
2. Surgical treatment
- Tracheal ring placement
Small plastic rings are placed through an incision on the outside of the trachea to provide external support for the trachea. The procedure is difficult and requires an experienced surgeon, and some dogs may still have symptomatic progression after surgery, requiring further placement of a tracheal stent.
- Tracheal stent placement
In severe cases, a tracheal stent made of a material such as nickel-titanium alloy can be inserted into the trachea, including through endoscopic assistance, to open up the collapsed trachea. This method is relatively non-invasive, short anesthesia time, and can immediately improve clinical symptoms, but there are also risks of complications such as stent displacement, breakage, and granulation tissue proliferation.
3. Other auxiliary measures
- Oxygenation
Oxygen may be given to relieve respiratory distress when symptoms are severe.
- Tracheal intubation
In emergencies, tracheal intubation may be performed to establish breathing passages if severe respiratory obstruction occurs.
- Regular checkups
Prolonged tracheal collapse may lead to complications such as heart disease. Regular cardiac checkups and other related examinations are needed to detect and treat problems in time.
FAQs
Can tracheal collapse be cured completely?
Tracheal collapse is often difficult to cure completely, but with proper treatment and management, symptoms can be significantly improved and quality of life enhanced. For mild tracheal collapse, medication may be effective. The prognosis for tracheal collapse varies among individuals. With aggressive treatment, many animals can maintain a good quality of life for months to years. However, tracheal collapse may progressively worsen over time and require ongoing medical attention.
Regular review is essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment regimens. During the course of treatment, the animal's respiratory status and quality of life should be closely monitored, and any possible complications should be promptly identified and managed.
How can I tell if my dog has early signs of tracheal collapse?
Early signs may include a mild cough, which is often described as a "honking" sound, especially after exercise or excitement. You may also notice some difficulty breathing or wheezing in more severe cases. If you suspect your dog may have tracheal collapse, it is important to consult your veterinarian.
Are there any specific diets that can help prevent tracheal collapse?
A diet that helps maintain a healthy weight is crucial. High - quality, balanced diets with appropriate calorie content are recommended. Additionally, diets rich in antioxidants and nutrients that support connective tissue health, such as vitamin C and omega - 3 fatty acids, may be beneficial.
Conclusion
Tracheal collapse is a common condition in small breed dogs, but it can affect dogs of any size. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for managing the condition and improving your dog’s quality of life. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from tracheal collapse, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can help your dog breathe easier and lead a happy, healthy life.
Comment
