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Fluoroscopy is an imaging modality used at many universities or specialty hospitals. Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving s as the patients breathe. It can also be used to see what happens during an animal’s cough to determine where the collapse may be occurring.
For cases where medical management is no longer an effective therapy, a tracheal stent may be life-saving. Most often, a minimally invasive procedure is used to place a stent inside the trachea. Implantable tracheal stents are woven mesh, self-expanding tubes that are inserted within the trachea to provide support to keep the trachea from collapsing. Less commonly, plastic rings can be surgically fastened to the external surface of the trachea to prevent collapse, though this is only useful when the collapse occurs within the neck.
Tracheal collapse is most commonly seen in small and toy breeds such as: Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, toy poodles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa apsos and Yorkshire terriers. Signs usually begin in middle-aged dogs and may worsen as the dog ages, but sometimes signs begin in old or young dogs.
The first step to diagnose an animal with a collapsing trachea is to take radiographs. Radiographs are a good, noninvasive imaging modality that can sometimes identify a collapsing trachea. It is important to note that radiographs do not diagnose 100 percent of the cases because the trachea is not flattened at all times, and a radiographic only captures a moment in time. Because the trachea is not always collapsed, other diagnostic tests may be required.
Figure 3. Fluoroscopic of tracheal collapse. This is a still picture captured from a short video clip. In this , the yellow lines outline an area of collapse where the trachea enters the chest from the neck. You can also see a microchip that has been placed between the dog’s shoulders; this chip contains contact information to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
Treatment for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
There are multiple treatment options for dogs with collapsed trachea. Typically, the condition is managed with medication, which works for up to 70 percent of dogs, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. But because collapsed trachea is a chronic, progressive disease, eventually your dog may also need surgery to keep the trachea open.
Dogs with collapsed trachea are caught in a vicious cycle of coughing: The condition triggers it, and coughing worsens an already irritated trachea. That leads to, you guessed it, even more coughing.
Veterinarians commonly use cough suppressants and sedatives like hydrocodone to limit coughing. The sedative also prevents pets from getting stressed or excited, which may set off another round of coughing, says Galvao.
In addition to cough suppressants, veterinarians may prescribe steroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation in the airways. Antibiotics such as doxycycline may also be useful for treating airway infection which could worsen respiratory disease, Galvao explains.
Surgery becomes necessary when collapsed trachea makes it extremely difficult for dogs to breathe. There are two types of procedures available for collapsed trachea in dogs.
The first is a traditional surgery that works best for trachea collapse in the neck area. It involves placing plastic rings outside the trachea to support the softening cartilage. The surgery has a 75 percent success rate. “But this procedure requires an incision and is associated with complications,” Galvao reports.
Another option is a minimally invasive procedure that places a stent (a hollow, metal-mesh tube) within the trachea to prop it open. Its done without having to make an incision—the veterinary surgeon goes into the mouth to reach the tracheal opening and is guided by continuous X-ray s on where to place the stent. This procedure works on dogs with collapsed trachea in the neck or chest. Afterward, about 90 percent of dogs show improvement.
“But symptoms dont go away completely,” Galvao cautions. “The stent itself can cause some degree of irritation within the trachea, so coughing may continue. But the stent will prevent a collapsed trachea from becoming life-threatening.”
Following either procedure, most dogs remain on medication to manage the condition for the rest of their lives.
Besides following your veterinarians recommendations, there are plenty of things you can do at home to help your dog with collapsed trachea feel better. And they all involve reducing your dogs coughing fits.
For starters, keeping your dog at a healthy weight can make a big difference. Thats because excess weight makes collapsed trachea symptoms more severe. Also, avoid using neck leads, which puts pressure on the trachea. Instead, use a body harness for light daily walks and do them when temperatures outside are comfortable—hot weather and excessive exercise cause dogs to pant, which can lead to a coughing flare-up.
At home, encourage your pooch to be calm and quiet and avoid situations you know get your pup all worked up. A smoke-free environment can be a big help too since secondhand smoke irritates airways.
Despite your best efforts to limit coughing, your furry friend may still have bouts of it. Use the cough suppressant your veterinarian prescribed as directed. Ran out? In a pinch, you could try honey. Its a natural cough reliever for people and may soothe your dogs throat too. Dissolve it in your dogs water bowl in the amount of one teaspoon for every 20 pounds. You can do this up to three times a day.
“In general, honey is a safe home remedy to administer to dogs,” says Alena Abens, DVM, medical director for VCA Chicago North Animal Hospital. “If youre not finding it to be effective though, you should contact your veterinarian.”