Tracheal collapse in dog

Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive, irreversible disease of the trachea, or windpipe, and lower airways (mainstem bronchi collapse). The trachea is a flexible tube and, similar to a vacuum cleaner hose. It has small rings of cartilage that help keep the airway open when the dog is breathing, moving or coughing. The rings of cartilage are C-shaped, with the open part of the C facing upward. In some dogs, the C-shaped cartilage becomes weak and begins to flatten out.

occurs almost exclusively in small dogs. Chihuahuas, Miniature and Teacup Poodles, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terriers are especially predisposed to the condition.

Yorkshire affected by tracheal collapse were 1/3-2/3 out of all cases

Other dog;