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Tracheal collapse

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

The trachea is the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs. It is held open by a succession of horseshoe-shaped cartilage rings. In the Tracheal collapse, these rings lose their rigidity and flatten. The trachea partially closes with each breath, like a crushed straw, and air passes poorly. The friction of the walls against each other triggers a very characteristic cough, dry and loud, often compared to a goose cry or a horn. It is a chronic disease of small breeds, which worsens in outbreaks. We cannot cure it, but we can control it very well.

Key point

An attack with bluish gums is a respiratory emergency: do not handle the dog more than necessary, do not stress it, cool it and take it immediately to a veterinarian.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Cough Difficulty breathing Rapid breathing Fatigue Noisy breathing or snoring Shortness of breath on exertion Heat intolerance

A dry, strong cough, in fits, with the typical sound of a goose cry or fog horn.

A cough triggered by excitement, barking, pulling on the collar, drinking, exertion or heat.

Noisy, wheezing breathing when inhaling or exhaling.

Shortness of breath upon exertion, rapid fatigue.

In attacks, respiratory distress with panic, the dog searching for air, bluish mucous membranes, sometimes fainting.

Signs that worsen significantly during periods of high heat or humidity.

Between seizures, the dog may appear perfectly normal.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

A constitutional weakness of the tracheal cartilage, present from birth in predisposed breeds, which manifests itself over the years.

Factors that aggravate or reveal the problem: excess weight, heat, excitement, wearing a collar, cigarette smoke, dust, dry air, respiratory infections.

It is not a contagious disease or an infection; Respiratory infections, on the other hand, can trigger a flare-up in an already fragile dog.

Small breeds and miniature breeds: Yorkshire, Pomeranian, Miniature and Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Pug, Shih Tzu, Bichon and their crosses.

Adulthood to old age, even if early forms exist.

Overweight and obesity, which significantly aggravate the symptoms and whose correction often improves the dog alone.

Wearing a collar rather than a harness.

Exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, indoor perfumes and aerosol household products.

Heat and humidity, especially during summer.

Associated heart disease or chronic bronchitis, very common in these same dogs.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian suspects the diagnosis by listening to the cough and gently pinching the windpipe, which typically triggers a cough.

X-rays of the neck and chest, taken during inspiration and expiration, often show the narrowing but may be normal because the trachea is constantly moving.

A dynamic examination — endoscopy or fluoroscopy — is the most precise examination: it visualizes the subsidence directly and allows it to be classified by degree of severity.

A cardiac assessment is almost always associated, because these small dogs often have a heart murmur and a fragile trachea, and you need to know what is causing the cough.

An analysis of bronchial secretions may be performed to look for associated inflammation or infection.

Treatment

The vast majority of dogs are managed medically, without surgery.

Weight loss is the most effective measure, and often the most neglected: a dog that drops to its ideal weight coughs much less.

Replacing the collar with a harness is essential and immediate.

Medications include cough suppressants to break the cough-irritation-cough cycle, anti-inflammatories for short periods during flare-ups, sometimes bronchodilators, mild sedatives in very excitable dogs, and an antibiotic only if an infection is demonstrated.

Inhaled treatments are useful in some dogs to limit general effects.

In crisis, the dog must be kept calm, cool, and taken for consultation: oxygen and sedation are often necessary.

Surgery is reserved for severe cases which no longer respond to treatment: installation of support rings outside the trachea, or a stent inside. These techniques improve many dogs but have complications, and should be discussed with a specialist.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

We cannot prevent cartilage weakness, but we can delay and alleviate the symptoms.

Maintain a strict weight throughout life in breeds at risk.

Use a harness from an early age, never a choke collar.

Do not smoke near the dog, avoid aerosols, indoor perfumes, dust and incense.

Avoid going out during hot times, particularly in summer in Tunisia, and favor early morning and evening.

Limit situations of intense excitement and prolonged barking.

Treat any respiratory infections promptly and keep vaccinations up to date.

Do not breed an affected dog.

Possible complications

Attacks of respiratory distress with risk of asphyxiation, which constitute an emergency.

A vicious circle of chronic inflammation of the tracheal mucosa, maintained by coughing.

An extension to the bronchi, which makes control more difficult.

Added chronic bronchitis.

In the long term, pain in the right heart linked to permanent respiratory effort.

In the event of stent placement, possible remote complications: fracture of the material, excess healing tissue, continued coughing.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog coughs with a dry, sonorous cough that comes back regularly.

His cough gets worse, becomes nocturnal or prevents him from sleeping.

He runs out of steam with usual efforts.

He has an episode where he gasps for air, panics, with bluish gums: it's an emergency, put him in a cool, calm place and leave immediately.

He passes out during a coughing fit.

He has been coughing for a long time without ever having been x-rayed: a consultation helps identify the exact cause.

Prognosis

The prognosis is generally good for quality of life when hygiene measures are applied: the majority of dogs live normally for years with manageable outbreaks.

The disease is not curable and tends to get worse slowly.

Dogs whose weight is controlled and whose environment is sanitized do significantly better than others, regardless of medication.

Severe forms that have undergone surgery often achieve marked improvement, but generally have a residual cough and require lifelong follow-up.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my dog coughing like a goose?

This very particular sound comes from the friction of the walls of the flattened trachea against each other. This is the most suggestive sign of tracheal collapse in a small dog, but only a veterinary examination, supported by x-rays, can confirm it and rule out a cardiac cause.

Should we really remove the collar?

Yes, without exception. Each pull of the collar crushes the already fragile trachea and triggers fits. A harness that distributes traction across the chest is the simplest and most immediately effective measure.

Is surgery the solution?

It is only considered in severe forms which resist well-conducted medical treatment and weight loss. The placement of rings or a stent improves many dogs but carries risks and does not negate the need for follow-up. This is a specialist decision.

My dog coughs more in summer, is this normal?

Yes, the heat clearly aggravates the collapse: the dog pants, which constantly strains the trachea. In Tunisia, you must shift walks from early in the morning to late in the evening, keep the dog in a cool room and avoid any exertion during hot weather.