Medical Management for a Collapsing Trachea
If your dog is having a hard time breathing, has blue-tinged gums or has fainted, he needs to be taken to a nearby veterinary clinic immediately. A veterinarian can provide supplemental oxygen and other treatments to ease his breathing. Once his condition is stable, diagnostic tests can be run to determine the cause of his symptoms.
Most dogs diagnosed with a collapsing trachea are treated with medications. Drug options include:
A surprisingly high number of dogs with tracheal collapse also suffer from other conditions like obesity, heart disease, liver enlargement, dental problems, an elongated soft palate, and conditions affecting the larynx (voice box). All of these may make a dog’s symptoms worse and need to be adequately treated to maximize quality of life. It is very important that dogs with a collapsing trachea be fed a diet that helps them maintain a healthy (if slightly underweight) body weight.
Airborne irritants also promote coughing in dogs with tracheal collapse. The dog’s home should be free of cigarette smoke and strong fragrances. Allergen and dust exposure can be reduced by keeping the windows closed, running an air conditioner and/or HEPA air filtration system and regularly cleaning the home.
Exercise has both benefits and potential risks for a dog with a collapsing trachea. It can help with weight management and keeping dogs calm, but may make matters worse when it is associated with rapid breathing, over-excitement or exposure to irritants. Long, slow walks are usually best if your dog’s temperament and symptoms allow. Swap out a collar for a harness to avoid putting pressure on your dog’s trachea.
Symptoms of Collapsing Trachea
The most common symptom of a collapsing trachea in dogs is chronic episodes of coughing that last a few minutes before resolving by itself. Dogs with a tracheal collapse have a very distinct sounding dry cough, it’s often described as sounding like a goose honk.
Other symptoms to watch out for include:
Symptoms of collapsing trachea may be worse at night, when your dog is excited, or immediately after eating and drinking. Humid weather, smoke inhalation, and pressure on the throat from a collar may also trigger coughing fits.
If the trachea is completely blocked, your dog may develop signs of being in severe pain. They may be restless, have difficulty swallowing, rapid breathing, or show signs of general respiratory distress. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Can Collapsing Trachea Be Treated?
There is no cure for collapsing trachea in dogs, but it can be treated to make your dog more comfortable and prevent it from progressing.
These are some of the most common ways to treat collapsing trachea in dogs:
If you have a dog with collapsing trachea, cough suppressants can be a good choice because they reduce swelling and inflammation. This slows the progression of the disease. The most common type of cough suppressant is an antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Other drugs that can help with the tracheal collapse in dogs include corticosteroids and bronchodilators. All of these options should be used with caution because they can lead to increased airway resistance and breathing problems in some cases.
Please do not give your dog any type of cough suppressant before you get advice from a veterinarian.
Another option includes bronchodilators, also known as beta-2 agonists, are one of the most common medications given to dogs with tracheal collapse. They work by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which allow easier breathing.
Some dogs may respond well to bronchodilators right away, while others may need to take them for a few weeks or even months before they start seeing results.
If you’re still unsure whether your dog is suffering from tracheal collapse or not, you can always consult your veterinarian, who will be able to diagnose it based on the symptoms your pet is exhibiting.
What are corticosteroids? This is a class of anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling and inflammation. Corticosteroids can be used to treat some types of tracheal collapse in dogs. This is including those due to trauma, severe lung disease, or other conditions.
Although corticosteroid injections can work well in some cases, they may not be an effective treatment for all types of tracheal collapse. If your dog has tracheal collapse due to chronic lung disease, you may be better off using other treatments.
Your veterinarian can explain the pros and cons of using corticosteroids to treat tracheal collapse in dogs. It is important to realize that corticosteroids have risks and side effects, so you must work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog.
When some dogs become overexcited, this can aggravate the condition of tracheal collapse. Sedatives will help relax your dog and loosen the muscles within the airways, allowing them to breathe better.
Tracheal Collapse In Dogs | How To Know If Your Dog Has A Collapsed Trachea? | Dogtor Pete
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.