Trachea collapse

TRACHEAL COLLAPSE IN DOGS


Ring join dorsally by trachealis muscle, mucosa and connective tissue (dorsal tracheal membrane),


Dog inspire normally, but expire will collapse. Lumen of trachea markly narrowed. Dorsal margin is indistint outline bc inversion of dorsal trachealis muscle,
From thoracic inlet to carina region

Target:small breed dogs including Terriers, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians and Pugs. It usually affects middle age to older dogs but can also affect young dogs and it is caused by the cartilaginous rings of the trachea and bronchi becoming softer so that they tend to collapse. 

Clinical sign: cough that when severe is sometimes described as having a “goose honking” sound.
noisy breathing,severe cases, dyspnea, cyanosis, and hyperthermia.Coughing episodes may increase with excitement, tracheal pressure (eg, from a leash or collar), exercise, eating, or drinking

Dignose:A cough may be elicited by palpating the trachea at the thoracic inlet, Definitive diagnosis is based on imaging (eg, survey radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, computed tomography, tracheobronchoscopy)

Treatment
Avoiding using collars to lead dogs is definitely recommended for affected dogs and using harnesses can avoid applying excessive pressure to the trachea (windpipe)

In the early stages when the cough is mild, no treatment may be needed. As the condition progresses, treatments such as bronchodilators, cough suppressants, antibiotics and even anti inflammatory steroids may be considered. 

In severe cases, tracheal stenting may be required to control episodes of difficulty breathing due to airway collapse.

stent placed by the medicine team at SASH to hold the airway open


https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/tracheal-collapse-dogs
http://www.meadowsvetclinic.com/tracheal-collapse.html