1. Coughing: The most common symptom of a collapsed trachea in dogs is a dry, non-productive cough that may sound like a goose honk or have a squeaky-toy sound. It’s often worse when the dog is excited or exercise and typically clears up when the pet calms down.
2. Wheezing: Another sign of tracheal collapse in dogs is a loud wheezing noise that occurs during breathing difficulties.
3. Exercise Intolerance: Some pets with tracheal collapse will become easily fatigued due to difficulty in normal respiration when exercising. This can cause excessive panting and slowing of movement, as well as other signs such as coughing and wheezing.
4. Retching: Failed attempts at vomiting are another symptom of tracheal collapse in dogs, though an exact cause-and-effect relationship hasn’t been entirely confirmed yet.
5. Gagging/Choking Sensation: A feeling that your pet’s throat is constricting can be another sign of the condition.
6. Bluish Tinge to Lips & Gums: Labored breathing can sometimes cause a bluish tinge to your pet’s lips and gum tissue due to lack of oxygen circulating through the airways, which may be one sign that indicates your pet has an underlying problem such as tracheal collapse.
Introduction: what is a collapsed trachea and how can it affect the dog?
A collapsed trachea is a serious condition that affects dogs, and involves the weakening of the cartilage rings in their trachea. This can cause narrowing in the airways, allowing less air to pass through, and making it difficult for the animal to breathe. Symptoms will vary from mild discomfort to severe breathing difficulty and coughing fits.
Collapsed tracheas occur when inflammation weakens or damages the cartilage rings of the trachea. This could be caused by infection, environmental allergies, obesity, or repeated pressure on the neck such as tugging on a leash or collar. If left untreated, it can lead to further damage of not just the trachea but also the lungs and associated organs.
Symptoms of Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
One of the most common symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs is a honking, harsh or strange cough. seresto flea and tick control collar for cats This cough may be worse when the dog is excited, exercised or pulls on a leash. It is often described by owners as similar to the sound of “goose honking” and it may be more noticeable during cold weather due to changes in air pressure.
Other signs of a collapsed trachea can include difficulty breathing, choking or gagging, exercise intolerance, cyanosis (nose and lips turning bluish), coughing up white foam and respiratory distress. In some cases, dogs will also show signs of anxiety including panting and pacing.
Causes of Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
The causes of collapsed trachea in dogs are believed to be genetic, due to an inherited problem in the airway structure. This problem could include slow development of the cartilage rings around the windpipe or a defect in the physical makeup of those rings. Additionally, dogs that are prone to allergies and respiratory disease may be at increased risk for developing this condition.
Dogs that have been exposed to secondhand smoke or from owners who frequently smoke, may also be more susceptible due to the damage it can cause in the trachea. Smaller breeds of dog, though not exclusively linked with collapsed trachea, are more likely to experience this particular issue as compared their larger counterparts. A major contributing factor is rapid weight gain associated with overfeeding and lack of exercise that also contributes significantly by putting additional strain on a weakened airway past what it can manage healthily.
Diagnosing & Treating a Collapsed Trachea
Diagnosing and treating a collapsed trachea in dogs starts with your veterinarian taking an in-depth medical history of your dog and performing a complete physical examination. Your vet will then likely recommend one or more imaging tests — such as radiographs, ultrasound or MRI — to assess the severity of the condition.
Once the collapsed trachea has been identified, your vet can determine the best course of action to treat it. Depending on the amount of collapse and your pet’s symptoms, treatment may include medications such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories, lifestyle modifications like avoiding walking collars, or even surgery if there is severe damage or blockage. In other cases where medication isn’t possible due to underlying health conditions, oxygen therapy may also be offered.
If you suspect that your pet has a collapsed trachea, contact your vet immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right combination of care and monitoring over time, pets with collapsed tracheas can live happy lives!
Prevention of a Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
Prevention is key to avoiding a collapsed trachea in your dog. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent and manage the condition.
First, reduce your pup’s stress level. Stress can cause coughing, which may put extra strain on the trachea and lead to a collapse. With plenty of care and attention from you, your pup should have less reason to be stressed!
Second, don’t let your pup become overweight or obese; extra weight stresses the trachea further so keep those calories in check. Finally, watch out for signs of respiratory infections; certain infections such as kennel cough can contribute to a collapsing trachea. Stay alert for symptoms and consult with your vet if needed!
Conclusion: Steps to take if a pet parent thinks their dog has signs of a collapsed trachea
If a pet parent suspects that their dog may have signs of a collapsed trachea, they should take their pup to their veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will conduct a physical exam and may also look at chest X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the condition, the vet might prescribe medication to help with breathing problems associated with collapsed tracheas.
In some cases, surgery may be an option for dogs with more severe cases of collapsed tracheas. This type of surgery is known as stenting and involves placing tiny tubes or stents directly into the bronchial wall to keep it open and allow for easy, consistent airflow. Keep in mind that while this procedure can offer great relief from symptoms, lifestyle changes post-surgery are still needed if your pup’s condition is serious enough to need treatment.
By monitoring your pup’s activities, feeding them higher quality treats and food items than before (if possible), keeping their weight in check, preventing collar constrictions around the neck area when strapped in a harness, and scheduling regular checkups with your vet—you should be able to keep your furry friend healthy and feeling good despite any medical conditions they may have!