What is tracheal collapse in dogs?
Tracheal collapse is a progressive respiratory condition in dogs where the cartilage rings that normally keep the trachea (windpipe) rigid and open start to collapse, causing the trachea to flatten and close up (1). This results in a narrowed airway passage that makes breathing difficult.
In a healthy dog, the trachea is made up of U-shaped rings of cartilage that prevent the trachea from collapsing. In dogs with tracheal collapse, these cartilage rings flatten and the trachea narrows. This causes coughing as air has trouble getting in and out of the lungs (2).
Small and toy breeds are most commonly affected, especially Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Poodles. Tracheal collapse usually develops in middle-aged and older dogs, between 4-14 years old.
What causes tracheal collapse in dogs?
Tracheal collapse in dogs is caused by weakening or deformity of the C-shaped rings of cartilage that normally help the trachea, or windpipe, maintain its tubular shape. As the cartilage rings weaken, they flatten and the trachea narrows, obstructing airflow (Cornell University). The main underlying causes of cartilage weakening and tracheal collapse include:
- Obesity – Excess weight puts pressure on the trachea and weakens cartilage.
- Chronic coughing – Repeated coughing episodes stress the tracheal cartilage.
- Genetics – Some breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers are genetically predisposed.
- Weakening of cartilage rings – Normal aging process weakens tracheal cartilage integrity.
Early treatment of conditions that cause chronic coughing, maintaining ideal body weight, and avoiding obesity may help prevent tracheal collapse in susceptible breeds (WebMD). However, some dogs may develop the condition due to genetic factors even without underlying illness or obesity.
Symptoms of tracheal collapse
The most common symptom of tracheal collapse in dogs is a persistent, dry cough that almost sounds like a goose honking. The cough is often triggered by excitement, exercise, pulling on the leash, drinking water, eating, or even just walking around (source: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/tracheal-collapse-dogs).
Other symptoms of tracheal collapse include:
- Exercise intolerance – dogs get winded and fatigued more easily
- Gagging or choking episodes
- Blue lips or gums – indicating low oxygen levels
The cough caused by tracheal collapse is usually non-productive, meaning no phlegm or substance comes up. It’s just a dry, hacking cough. The cough will often worsen at night when the airways tend to relax even more.
Diagnosing tracheal collapse
The first step in diagnosing tracheal collapse is a physical exam by the veterinarian. They will likely palpate the trachea to feel for any abnormalities. Even very light pressure on the trachea that causes coughing or breathing difficulty can raise suspicion of tracheal collapse (VCAAnimalHospitals).
X-rays are usually the next diagnostic step. They allow the vet to see the trachea and measure how narrowed or collapsed it is. X-rays can also help rule out other potential causes of respiratory distress.
Other tests may be performed to definitively rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as heart disease, lung disease, or kennel cough. Tests like echocardiograms, bronchoscopy, or rhinoscopy allow the vet to thoroughly inspect the respiratory tract and confirm tracheal collapse (CornellVet).
Do dogs with tracheal collapse cough more at night?
Dogs with tracheal collapse often do cough more at night than during the day. There are a few reasons for this:
At night when the dog is lying down, gravity pulls on the weakened tracheal rings, causing them to collapse more. This irritation can trigger coughing. During the day when the dog is upright, there is less collapse of the trachea.1
Dogs are also less active and excited at night, which can reduce coughing episodes during daytime play or exercise.2 The lack of activity allows the trachea to remain more stable.
Eating, drinking, barking, or collar pressure during the day can also provoke coughing. At night, these triggers are absent, allowing the dog’s breathing to be more restful.
So in summary, the effects of gravity, reduced activity, and lack of provoking factors during sleep mean dogs with tracheal collapse often experience more frequent and intense coughing bouts at night.
Treating mild tracheal collapse
For mild cases of tracheal collapse in dogs, the initial treatment focuses on reducing irritation and inflammation in the trachea to minimize coughing. Some approaches include:
- Weight loss – Excess weight puts more pressure on the trachea, so keeping the dog at a healthy weight can help reduce coughing. According to WebMD, obesity exacerbates tracheal collapse.
- Harness instead of collar – Using a harness instead of a neck collar removes pressure from the trachea area and can help reduce coughing spells.
- Antitussives – Cough suppressant medications like hydrocodone or butorphanol can provide relief from frequent coughing episodes. As per VCA Hospitals, antitussives may significantly reduce coughing.
- Sedatives – The veterinarian may prescribe mild sedatives like acepromazine to control anxiety and reduce airway irritation. Sedatives help calm the cough reflex. According to Today’s Veterinary Practice, sedatives are commonly used to manage tracheal collapse.
Implementing these approaches can provide substantial relief for dogs with mild tracheal collapse. However, they do not address the underlying loss of cartilaginous rings. For long-term treatment, surgical options may be considered for severe cases.
Treating severe tracheal collapse
For dogs with severe tracheal collapse that is negatively impacting their quality of life, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. This can include stents, surgery, or a combination of the two.
Tracheal stenting involves placing a small tube inside the trachea to help keep it open. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, tracheal stenting can provide immediate relief for dogs with severe clinical signs. However, stents may cause complications like infection, stent migration, or continued coughing. Stents typically last 6-12 months before needing replacement1.
The main surgical options for treating severe tracheal collapse are:
- Tracheal ring prostheses – Placing permanent prosthetic rings around the trachea to hold it open. This has a high success rate but is a complex surgery2.
- Tracheal resection and anastomosis – Removing a portion of the collapsed trachea and reconnecting the ends. This may not be an option if the collapse is extensive. Success rates are around 90%1.
Dogs usually spend 2-3 days in the hospital after tracheal surgery and have activity restrictions during recovery. With appropriate aftercare, most dogs experience significant improvement in breathing and quality of life following surgery3.
Managing tracheal collapse
There are several ways to manage tracheal collapse in dogs once it has been diagnosed.
First, it is important to keep the dog’s weight down to reduce pressure on the trachea. Obesity puts excess strain on the tracheal cartilage rings, so maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help minimize coughing episodes.
Using a harness instead of a collar for walking is highly recommended. Collars put direct pressure on the trachea, especially when pulling on the leash. A harness disperses this pressure over the chest instead. For severe cases, consider using the harness even when just moving around the house.
Avoiding excitement, stress, and overheating is also key. These situations increase respiratory rate and can worsen coughing fits. Try to keep the dog calm and comfortable.
Several medication options exist as well. Cough suppressants may provide temporary relief from coughing, while bronchodilators open up the airways. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. Surgery may be considered for more advanced collapse. Discuss options with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan.
With proper management, dogs with mild to moderate tracheal collapse can often enjoy a good quality of life. Work closely with your veterinarian and follow their recommendations for care.
Prognosis for dogs with tracheal collapse
The prognosis for dogs with tracheal collapse largely depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases that are managed medically tend to have a good long-term prognosis. However, more severe cases that require surgery have a guarded prognosis and quality of life has to be carefully considered.
In mild cases, dogs can often live many happy years when the condition is well-managed. But in severe cases that cause frequent coughing fits and respiratory distress, euthanasia may need to be considered if the dog’s quality of life is too compromised.
It’s important to monitor dogs with tracheal collapse for any progression of the disease over time. Coughing fits may become more frequent or severe, and breathing issues can worsen. Regular vet checkups every 6-12 months allow for assessment of disease progression. If the condition worsens significantly, additional treatments or even euthanasia may be warranted depending on the impact on the dog’s wellbeing.
While there is no cure, the prognosis for mild to moderate tracheal collapse can be good with careful management. More severe cases have a guarded prognosis that must be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the dog’s quality of life.
Summary
Tracheal collapse in dogs is a progressive condition where the tracheal rings flatten and the airway narrows. It’s most common in small and toy breed dogs. The main symptoms are a dry, honking cough and noisy breathing. Coughing often worsens at night when dogs are lying down.
Tracheal collapse is diagnosed through physical examination, x-rays, and other imaging tests. Mild cases can be managed with cough suppressants, weight loss, and rest. More severe cases may require surgery to place rings or stents to open the airway.
While there is no cure for tracheal collapse, dogs can live comfortably for years with proper treatment and management. Key takeaways are that this condition progresses over time, and that coughing and breathing issues tend to worsen at night when dogs are sleeping and gravity puts more pressure on the windpipe.
For more information, consult your veterinarian and see resources like the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and VCA Hospitals websites, which have in-depth materials on tracheal collapse in dogs.
