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Tracheal collapse in dogs and cats


Truths, myths, and everything you need to know about this pathology that is becoming increasingly common in pets.


Firstly, let's look at what a tracheal collapse is.


This is an emergency respiratory condition that is more prone to occur in small dogs, toy breeds, and also in older dogs or gerontics.


Tracheal collapse in the small breed dog.
Tracheal collapse in the small breed dog.

Tracheal collapse in dogs and cats occurs when there is a reduction in the diameter of the trachea that hinders the proper flow of air during respiration.

Due to this collapse, the dog manifests symptoms such as shortness of breath and/or a severe cough, which at a certain point of the disease makes it essential to go to the emergency department.


Why does tracheal collapse happen in dogs?


Although it is not fully understood why some dogs develop tracheal collapse and others do not, it is known that it is a combination of genetic predisposition, structural changes in the trachea, and environmental factors that together contribute to the development of this condition.

Congenital tracheal ring weakness is most common in small or miniature breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua and Pomeranian.


Tracheal collapse in dogs - Pomerania
Tracheal collapse in dogs - Pomerania

Whereas tracheal cartilage degeneration over time loses its elasticity and firmness; and is often related to ageing, which explains why tracheal collapse is more popular in older dogs.


Tracheal collapse in geriatric dogs
Tracheal collapse in geriatric dogs

Chronic inflammation is often caused by constant irritation of the trachea, such as chronic coughing, respiratory infections, or prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke. Obesity and genetic factors are other characteristics especially present in certain small breeds.


How many degrees of tracheal collapse do we know?


Tracheal collapse in dogs and cats is classified into four grades according to the severity of collapse, which is determined by the degree of reduction in tracheal diameter:


  • Grade 1: The trachea is reduced by approximately 25%. There is only slight flattening of the tracheal rings.

  • Grade 2: Collapse affects about 50% of the tracheal diameter. The rings are moderately flattened.

  • Grade 3: The trachea has lost 75% of its original diameter. The tracheal rings are severely flattened.

  • Grade 4: Near total collapse, with more than 90% reduction in tracheal diameter. The trachea is completely collapsed and there may be almost complete closure of the tracheal duct.

The degree of collapse directly influences the severity of respiratory symptoms, such as chronic coughing, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, asphyxia.

Although tracheal collapse is not as common in cats as in dogs, when it does occur, prompt diagnosis and treatment is important because of the potential for respiratory complications.


Tracheal collapse in dogs - Toy Maltese
Tracheal collapse in dogs - Toy Maltese

How do we know we are dealing with a patient with tracheal collapse?


A thorough history taking and physical assessment of the patient is usually the first step to be considered.


A complete blood test and an electrocardiogram should not be overlooked.


A key element is diagnostic imaging tests, which help us to determine the pathology.

Some of the tests we suggest are: Lateral X-ray, fluoroscopy provides a continuous video of the internal structures of the body. There are also other cases worth highlighting such as CT and tracheoscopy.


Rx of tracheal collapse in brachiocephalic dog
Rx of tracheal collapse in brachiocephalic dog


It is essential to understand that the sum of these tests will help us confirm tracheal collapse and also to exclude other diagnostic alternatives, such as: LarPar, tracheal stenosis, tracheal hypoplasia, tumours and congestive heart failure, among others.


We have diagnosed the patient and now we have to find a solution.


While there are tools to mitigate the symptoms caused by tracheal collapse, we must be aware that it is a chronic disease. This is one of the most recurrent causes in emergency departments and it is vitally important to get the patient into a stable condition.


In some patients, the administration of drugs does not provide the expected response.


The surgical treatment that has proven to be effective and minimally invasive is intraluminal stenting. (see our success story) let's explain in clear points why silicone stents are better.


  • They do not break

  • They do not cause rejection

  • They do not need to be sedated after placement

  • They are easy to implant

  • They are easy to remove

  • They are much more cost-effective


Rx of implanted silicone stent in patient with tracheal collapse
Rx of implanted silicone stent in patient with tracheal collapse

And if you want to know more, we invite you to read this entry blog


Conclusion:


Tracheal collapse is a serious respiratory condition that particularly affects small breeds and older dogs. Understanding this pathology and its degrees of severity is crucial to be able to act in a timely manner and provide the best possible treatment. Although the disease is chronic, advanced solutions such as silicone tracheal stents offer an effective, inexpensive and less invasive alternative to improve the patient's quality of life.

If you are faced with this situation with your pet, do not hesitate to opt for the treatment that offers the greatest safety and long-term benefits.

It is very important for us that it is understood that if a tracheal stent is needed, the most harmless and the most beneficial one is chosen.
And that is where we can help you.

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