What You Should Know About Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
Is your dog in danger of suffering from a collapsed trachea?
Tracheal collapse is a condition which makes your dog produce sounds like he's trying to hack up a hairball. Dogs who suffer from tracheal collapse let out a honking cough that can scare and confuse you. It can be mistaken for a reverse sneeze, but unlike a sneeze, this condition won't go away on its own. Tracheal Collapse results when a dog’s airway is obstructed, and there are many things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. Here's what you should know, and what your options are.What is Tracheal Collapse in Dogs?
Made up of hard rings of cartilage, the trachea (windpipe) carries air from the nose and throat to small airways (bronchi) that go to the lungs. When the rings of cartilage collapse, it causes an airway obstruction—this is what's referred to as a collapsed trachea. Because air only has a narrow passage to squeeze through, the result is a honking cough.What Causes Collapsed Trachea?
We still don't know why this happens, but researchers believe that weak cartilage of the tracheal rings is to blame. Dogs are usually born with this condition (known as a congenital abnormality); however, tracheal collapse can also be the result of a chronic respiratory disease, Cushing’s Disease, and heart disease.Breeds Affected by Tracheal Collapse
Toy breeds are most susceptible to tracheal collapse, and it occurs in both males and females equally. These breeds include Pugs, Shih Tzus, Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pomeranians, and Maltese. Although the onset of tracheal collapse can occur at any age, signs and symptoms frequently appear around the age of six or seven.Symptoms of Tracheal Collapse
- These are the common symptoms of a collapsed trachea, which can be exacerbated by weight, excitement, heat, and exercise.
- Honking cough
- Rapid breathing and abnormal breathing sounds
- Labored breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Retching
- Bluish tinge to the gums