If you have a dog, you understand that they are more than just a pet. They really are “man’s best friend” and it doesn’t take long for them to become part of the family. But you need to pay special attention to symptoms that point to collapsing trachea, as this can be a life-threatening condition.
Read on to learn what collapsing trachea in dogs is, how you can recognize the symptoms and what to do if it develops in your pooch.
What is Benadryl used for in dogs?
Benadryl is a common short-term medication for both dogs and cats. This medication is for human use, however, in small doses, it is safe for dogs. Benadryl is an antihistamine, meaning it targets inflammation caused by irritants or allergic reactions.
Is a humidifier good for dogs with collapsed trachea?
Yes, a humidifier is good for dogs with collapsed trachea. A humidifier will help to keep the dog’s throat moist, which can make breathing easier. A humidifier can also help to prevent inflammation of the trachea and larynx.
How Long Can a Dog Live With a Collapsing Trachea?
Dogs with mild to moderate symptoms can live a quality life without significant shifts in life expectancy with proper medications.
Therapeutic management is life-long and the contributing factors must be addressed as well. If that means you planned on quitting smoking, this is the right time to do it.
Since dogs with collapsed trachea have a hard time getting rid of infectious microorganisms from the lungs they will need to be periodically treated with antibiotics.
Tramadol, hydrocodone, and other cough suppressants might come in handy when the pup experiences harsh coughing episodes.
To decrease the inflammation and reduce the mucus secretion inside the trachea prednisone and similar corticosteroid hormones are indicated for treatment.
However, there are potential side effects of long-term use so they need to be taken into consideration with caution.
Because they suppress the immune response, corticosteroids can promote infection that damages the cartilage even more.
Minimizing the side effects of corticosteroids can be achieved by delivering the medication in the form of spray directly with inhalers.
The prognosis is not favorable for more complicated cases though.
It highly depends on how progressed the tracheal collapse is and whether there are other treatable or non-treatable concurrent diseases that contributed to the condition.
An emergency reaction due to tracheal collapse is necessary when the dog is in severe respiratory distress.
The gums are an indicator as they become bluish due to the lack of oxygen in the blood.
The vet will stabilize the dog with tranquilizers to relieve the anxiety and oxygen therapy in addition to the usual medications.
When medications don’t help alleviate the symptoms dogs need to go to surgery.
There are two types of procedures being performed – placing a tracheal stent and placing steel tracheal rings.
The first procedure is more frequently performed in the last few years.
The average life span for dogs that needed to go to surgery is around 2 years, though many will live for 2-3 years more.
One more thing worth mentioning is the grade of the tracheal collapse which will determine the course of action that needs to be taken.
Once the symptoms become so severe that the quality of your dog’s life is minimal it might be better to put him to sleep.
Photo by Igor Normann on Shutterstock
Euthanizing is indicated when the pup fights for every breath and no medication can help him feel better anymore.
If your dog is not able to enjoy his life anymore and just behaving lethargically, you may have to might this difficult call.
As the disease is so progressive, the end stages may be reached within a few years, and dying from respiratory distress is one of the most terrifying ways to go.
FAQ
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