Hello, wonderful pet parents! If you're the owner of a small or toy breed dog, you may be familiar with a very distinctive, startling cough that sounds like a goose honking. This is the classic sign of Tracheal Collapse. While it can be distressing to hear, it's a common condition that can often be managed well. Let's take a closer look.
What is Tracheal Collapse?
The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs. It's made up of C-shaped rings of cartilage that keep the airway open. In dogs with tracheal collapse, this cartilage is weak and flimsy.
When a dog with tracheal collapse breathes in, especially when they are excited or pulling on a leash, the weak cartilage can collapse inward, narrowing the airway. This makes it difficult for air to get through and triggers a harsh, dry, "goose honk" cough.
This is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to get worse over time. It's seen almost exclusively in small and toy breed dogs.
Breeds at Risk
Tracheal collapse is a genetic condition in certain breeds. The poster child for this condition is the Yorkshire Terrier, but it's also very common in:
- •Pomeranians
- •Poodles (Toy and Miniature)
- •Chihuahuas
- •Shih Tzus
- •Maltese
Spotting the Signs
- •The "Goose Honk" Cough: This is the number one sign. It's a harsh, dry, hacking cough that often occurs in fits or paroxysms.
- •Coughing When Excited: The cough is often triggered by excitement, exercise, or pressure on the neck (like from a collar).
- •Coughing When Drinking or Eating: This can also trigger an episode.
- •Exercise Intolerance: They may get tired easily.
- •Retching or Gagging: The cough can sometimes end with a gag.
- •Difficulty Breathing: In severe cases, the dog may have respiratory distress. Their gums might look blue, and they may collapse. This is an emergency.
How Vets Diagnose Tracheal Collapse
The diagnosis is often strongly suspected based on the breed and the classic cough. To confirm it, your vet will need to see the collapsing trachea.
- •X-rays: Your vet will take X-rays of the chest and neck. Sometimes, they can catch the trachea in a collapsed state on an X-ray, but not always. X-rays are also important to rule out other causes of coughing, like heart disease or bronchitis.
- •Fluoroscopy: This is like a real-time, moving X-ray. It's a great way to see the trachea collapse as the dog breathes in and out.
- •Endoscopy: This is the gold standard. A small camera is passed down the windpipe (under anesthesia) to directly visualize the collapse and to grade its severity.
Vets grade the collapse on a scale from 1 to 4, with Grade 1 being a mild collapse and Grade 4 being a complete, flattened collapse.
Treatment: Managing the Cough
Treatment for tracheal collapse is aimed at controlling the cough and reducing the inflammation in the airway. Most dogs can be managed successfully with medication and lifestyle changes.
Medical Management:
This is the first line of treatment for most dogs.
- •Cough Suppressants: Medications like hydrocodone or butorphanol are very effective at breaking the coughing cycle.
- •Anti-inflammatories: Steroids (like prednisone) or bronchodilators (like theophylline) can be used to reduce inflammation and open up the airways.
- •Sedatives: For dogs that get very anxious during a coughing fit, a mild sedative like trazodone can help.
- •Antibiotics: If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Lifestyle and Home Management:
This is just as important as the medication!
- •Weight Management: This is critical. If your dog is overweight, getting them to a healthy weight will make a huge difference.
- •Use a Harness, NEVER a Collar: You must avoid putting any pressure on the trachea.
- •Avoid Irritants: Don't smoke around your dog, and avoid using strong perfumes or air fresheners.
- •Control Excitement: Try to keep your dog as calm as possible and avoid situations that you know will trigger a coughing fit.
Surgical and Interventional Options:
For dogs with severe, Grade 4 collapse that is not responding to medical management, more advanced procedures may be an option.
- •Tracheal Stent: This is a minimally invasive procedure where a self-expanding mesh stent is placed inside the trachea to hold it open. This can be life-saving for dogs in severe respiratory distress, but it does have potential long-term complications.
- •Tracheal Rings: This is a major surgery where plastic rings are placed on the outside of the trachea to support it. This is a very specialized procedure.
For most dogs, tracheal collapse can be successfully managed for years with medication and careful home care, allowing them to live happy and comfortable lives.
Sources & Further Reading:
- •American College of Veterinary Surgeons - Tracheal Collapse
- 1VCA Animal Hospitals - Tracheal Collapse in Dogs