The trachea, or windpipe, is the tube that connects the nose, mouth and throat to the lungs. Tracheal collapse is a disease which can occur in toy breed dogs, particularly Pomeranians, Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. The trachea collapses when weak cartilage leads to a flattening of the cartilage. Panting or rapid breathing can worsen tracheal collapse and, further, the collapse creates increased secretion and inflammation producing more coughing and yet more inflammation.
Though tracheal collapse often becomes a problem in middle age, it can occur at any age. There may be no symptoms in affected dogs, but certain factors can bring about symptoms. These factors may include asthma, heart enlargement, kennel cough and other respiratory infections, obesity, and respiratory irritants like dust and cigarette smoke. In very serious cases, extreme distress can lead to collapse, in which case emergency veterinary care should be sought.
Treatment of tracheal collapse typically involves long-term management with medications such as corticosteroids like prednisone, airway dilators, cough suppressants, and antibiotics to clear up any infections. Further, the secondary problems, such as asthma or respiratory irritants, should be treated. In cases where medical management is not successful, surgery is an option, though it tends to be more successful in younger dogs under the age of six. |
