Common Symptoms of Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
- Dry coughing
- Intolerance to exercise or activity
- Gagging or gasping
- Respiratory discomfort and irritation
How Tracheal Collapse Is Diagnosed
Tracheal collapse can be diagnosed several ways. These ways include:- A physical examination including a palpation of the trachea
- X-ray taken during inhalation and exhalation will help identify any existing heart or lung problems
- A fluoroscopy, which is a continuous x-ray that can be used while the dog is actually coughing or breathing, can be more diagnostic than X-rays
- Tracheobronchoscopy
How Is Tracheal Collapse Treated?
Most commonly, treatments are performed in order to remove the cause of the coughing and breathing difficulties. Common treatments often include:- The dog wearing a harness instead of a collar, which reduces the irritation of the wind pipe while dogs are being walked on a leash
- Avoidance of activities that can irritate the trachea and cause coughing, such as intense exercise, walking in extreme heat, and strenuous physical activity. Activities that do not cause irritation to the trachea should still be practiced and are encouraged.
- Weigh loss, which will lead to reduced coughing and gasping in overweight canines with the condition.
- Treatment of existing diseases that are present, such as heart disease.
- The prescription of cough suppressants may provide relief from excessive coughing.
- Surgery is often performed to stabilize the wind pipe, but this often carries the risk of complications from the procedure.
To ensure your pet stays healthy during treatment, you should not allow your dog to engage in too much physical activity. If the dog does overwork himself, he can cause further damage to the trachea and more complications.