Diagnosis and Treatment for Collapsing Trachea in Pets

What is Collapsing Trachea in Pets?

Tracheal collapse is a condition where the collagen rings that support the trachea are weakened, leading to the flattening or complete collapse of the trachea. The trachea allows air to pass from the lungs outwards, and where new air is brought into the lungs, so any restriction of the trachea can cause breathing difficulties. There is no known cause of tracheal collapse, but it is thought that many small dogs are genetically predisposed to it. Almost 65% of Yorkshire terriers will be diagnosed with the disease.

Symptoms and Signs of Collapsing Trachea in your pet

Common symptoms of tracheal collapse include:

coughing (dry or “honking”)
difficulties breathing
vomiting
gagging
retching
cyanotic episodes (where the pet’s gums or tongue turn blue or purple)
wheezing

Activities like drinking water, exercise, excitement, barking, very cold or hot temperatures, obesity, pressure on the throat, pollutants in the air, and humidity can all play a factor in how serious the symptoms become.

Diagnosing Tracheal Collapse In Pets

Veterinarians must take into account many factors when diagnosing tracheal collapse, including the common symptoms. A variety of tests are required – such as taking x-rays for the most accurate diagnosis; performing a tracheoscopy or bronchoscopy, which involves passing an endoscope through the throat and breathing passages respectively to view them; and doing a fluoroscopy – during which an injection may be given so that doctors may look at it on video. Doing bloodwork, urinalysis and testing for heartworm will help diagnose what is wrong with the animal.

Tracheal collapse can also be concurrent with other conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, liver enlargement, dental problems, an elongated soft palate, and conditions of the larynx (voice box).

4 Levels of Severity in Collapsing Tracheas

Treatment for collapsing trachea varies depending on the severity of the collapse. Collapsing trachea severity is broken down into four categories:

Tracheal Collapse in Pets Pawprint Oxygen

Grade 1: The lumen (the opening of the trachea) is reduced by 25%, but the cartilage is normal shaped (not flattened).
Grade 2: The lumen is reduced by 50%, and the cartilage is partially flattened.
Grade 3: The lumen is reduced by 75%, and the cartilage is nearly flat.
Grade 4: There is no lumen, and the cartilage is completely flat.

For mild cases (grades 1 or 2) treatments aim to preserve the airway and keep the patients calm, so that episodes are mild and rare.

Common Treatment Options

There are a number of medications and treatment options that are commonly prescribed by veterinarians for mild to moderate collapsing trachea. Which medications and treatments will be prescribed are based on your pet’s symptoms and the severity of the condition. Some common medications that are prescribed:

Antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, azithromycin)
Cough suppressants (e.g., Hydrocodone bitartrate)
Steroids (e.g., prednisone)
Bronchodilators (e.g., theophylline)
Sedatives (e.g., acepromazine)
Supplemental oxygen (e.g., Pawprint Oxygen)

Prognosis

Tracheal collapse is a progressive disease – this means that, over time, the cartilage will continue to break down, causing patients to worsen over time. Severe cases may require surgery for the insertion of a stent which keeps the airway open or to keep it from closing off entirely. Thankfully, there are some steps that can be taken in order to slow this disease’s progression and maintain a good quality of life.

The “Vicious Cycle” of Tracheal Collapse and the Importance of Supplemental Oxygen

Tracheal collapse episodes are commonly described as a vicious cycle. Once a pet starts to bark or cough or breath heavier than normal, their already narrowed trachea can become irritated and swollen, making breathing even more difficult. As the pet starts having trouble breathing, panic causes them to try to breath harder, which also causes irritation, and the lumen starts to become narrower due to swelling. If the episode continues, there is a chance that the trachea can collapse completely, creating an emergency situation.

During an episode of a dynamic obstruction (tracheal collapse), depending on the specific condition, drugs such as sedatives or bronchodilators coupled with oxygen can break this vicious cycle, returning the pet to their normal breathing. If it does not end the episode then rescue oxygen can be continued during transport to a veterinary hospital.

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Preventing Collapsing Trachea in Your Pet

While there is no way to prevent or cure collapsing trachea in your pet, certain breeds are genetically predisposed to the disease. Knowing if your pet’s breed is susceptible to collapsing trachea may allow you to diagnose the disease earlier, take the appropriate measures to extend the life of your pet, and access medication from your veterinarian sooner, rather than waiting.

Collapsing trachea has a higher prevalence in small-breed and toy-breed dogs, including:

Yorkshire terriers
Pugs
Shih tzu
Chihuahuas
Toy Poodles
Pomeranians

Cats and large dogs can also suffer from collapsing trachea, but it is a more rare diagnosis in these groups.

Maintaining a good quality of life

We all want to maintain the best quality of life for our furry loved ones, no matter their age, breed, and health history. That’s why we schedule them vet visits, update their vaccines, feed them healthy food, and give them ample love and playtime. A diagnosis of tracheal collapse is no exception to this, and pet parents have sought solutions to maintaining a good quality of life for their pets, even in the face of this progressive disease.

The best way to help your pet feel better is to speak with your veterinarian and come up with a treatment plan that works best for your pet. Reducing stress in the home will also help, as excitement and barking can lead to an episode.

The prognosis for a pet diagnosed with collapsing trachea is typically good, as long as the condition is identified early in the development of the disease and the treatment plan prescribed is followed by the pet owner. With these tools in hand, pet owners can ensure their pets live long and happy lives even after diagnosis.