Tracheal Collapse in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment with a Silicone Stent
Minimally invasive techniques now exist to treat tracheal collapse in dogs and cats, without the need for traditional surgery
In this guide, we explain what it is, why it happens, how it's diagnosed, and the treatment that's showing the best results: the silicone tracheal stent.
What is tracheal collapse in dogs and cats?
Tracheal collapse is a respiratory condition that can become an emergency, and it's most common in small and toy-breed dogs, as well as in senior dogs.
We talk about tracheal collapse when the diameter of the trachea narrows, making it difficult for air to flow normally during breathing. Because of this narrowing, affected patients show signs such as breathing difficulty and a strong, persistent cough, which in more advanced cases makes an emergency vet visit necessary.
Why does tracheal collapse happen in dogs and cats?
It isn't fully understood why some dogs develop tracheal collapse and others don't, but it's known to be a combination of genetic predisposition, structural changes in the trachea, and environmental factors that together contribute to the condition.
Most predisposed breeds
Congenital weakness of the tracheal rings is more common in small and toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Pomeranian, breeds where this type of collapse is diagnosed most frequently.
Age: tracheal cartilage gradually loses elasticity and firmness over time, which explains why tracheal collapse is more common in older dogs.
Other factors: obesity and genetic predisposition are especially present in certain small breeds and can make the condition worse.
How is tracheal collapse diagnosed?
Diagnostic imaging is essential to confirm the condition. Some of the tests used include:
Lateral X-ray: the first diagnostic approach, quick and accessible.
Fluoroscopy: provides continuous video of internal structures, allowing the collapse to be seen in real time during breathing.
CT scan: offers a more detailed image of the airway.
Tracheoscopy: allows direct visualization of the inside of the trachea.
Can tracheal collapse be managed at home?
In mild cases, measures such as managing the patient's weight, switching from a collar to a harness, reducing stress and intense exercise, and using a humidifier can help ease symptoms.
However, these measures do not treat the underlying cause of the collapse, they can only provide temporary relief for mild symptoms.
When breathing difficulty episodes become frequent, coughing doesn't resolve, or the patient has already had a respiratory crisis, home management is no longer enough and an interventional treatment is needed.
An effective, minimally invasive treatment: the silicone tracheal stent
The treatment that's proving effective and minimally invasive, as an alternative to traditional tracheal surgery, is the placement of a silicone tracheal stent.
Why choose a silicone tracheal stent for tracheal collapse?
Won't crack or break
Does not cause rejection
No need to keep the patient sedated after placement
Easy to implant
Easy to remove, if needed
Significantly more affordable than other alternatives
To learn more about why the material matters, read our post on why silicone is the safer choice for tracheal stents
Real cases treated with ABTVET tracheal stents
Here are some real tracheal collapse cases we've treated with a silicone stent:
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