Recognizing The Symptoms Of Tracheal Collapse.


––by Dr. Timothy Hodge, D.V.M.


Cough…cough…cough….hack, hack, gag. What’s the deal? “My dog sounds like a goose.” “My dog sounds like a barking seal.” These are common client descriptions of what may be tracheal collapse. This disorder, most often seen in toy and small breed dogs,


is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage that makes up the trachea or windpipe. The normal, ring-shaped cartilage becomes C-shaped and flattened. The membrane from the top of the tra- chea becomes stretched and floppy and can fall down and obstruct the airway. It is this collapse that causes the cough to occur, in an attempt to “pop” the airway back open to full size. The cause of tracheal collapse is unknown. It has been doc-


tracheal collapse. However, to confirm and rule out other pos- sible causes for the coughing may require radiographs (x-rays), scoping of the trachea and lungs, and even advanced imaging techniques. Other changes that can be seen on radiographs that may occur secondary to long standing lung disease, can be heart enlargement, bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial consolida- tion.


Statistically, about 30 percent of dogs with tracheal collapse


also have paralysis of the larynx (laryngeal paralysis). This is where the opening of the trachea or windpipe has become paralyzed and doesn’t move as it should to allow air to pass nor- mally. Also, about 50 percent of dogs with tracheal collapse also


umented that the cartilage loses its cells and the scaffolding degenerates. A decrease of proteins and certain other chemicals causes a reduction in moisture of the cartilage and thus its abil- ity to maintain normal conformation. The trachea in the neck can collapse or the portion that’s


in the chest can collapse. In many dogs, both regions collapse. The signs of tracheal collapse can be mild and occasional “honk- ing” or a “seal bark” cough to extreme respiratory distress. Bouts of coughing can be mild or there can be excessively long occurrences. These coughing episodes can be brought on by excitement, eating/drinking and pulling on the leash. Many times, the cough will end with a hack and a gag or retch, as the dog tries to clear its throat. Some pets, in extreme cases, may turn blue and faint. Coughing that doesn’t seem to stop, and there is respiratory distress, is an emergency situation. History and physical exam can give a strong suspicion of


66 THE NEW BARKER


have collapse of the bronchial tubes. Bronchial tubes are the extension of the trachea, into the lungs. The most common breeds that are affected by tracheal col-


lapse are the Chihuahua, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier. Tracheal collapse does not discriminate against age and can be found in both young and senior dogs. So, your veterinarian has diagnosed your furry baby with


tracheal collapse. Now what? Medical treatment, in mild cases, may involve examination


and evaluation, stabilization with oxygen therapy, and sedation. Sedation is required in many cases as the distress of coughing and inability to breathe correctly causes compounded distress and more panic in attempts to gather oxygen. Medications such as bronchodilators, cough suppressants, antibiotics (if secondary infections are a concern), and steroids may be employed.


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