🫁 Vet Guide 2025: Tracheal Collapse in Dogs – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

📌 What Is the Trachea?

The trachea (windpipe) is the rigid tube connecting the throat to the lungs, allowing air to pass in and out. It consists of C-shaped cartilage rings that keep the tube open, with a flexible membrane on top called the trachealis muscle.

The trachea spans from the neck (extrathoracic) into the chest cavity (intrathoracic), and tracheal collapse can occur in either or both regions.

⚠️ What Is Tracheal Collapse?

Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilage rings weaken (a condition called tracheomalacia), and the tracheal membrane becomes floppy. This leads to:

• 💨 Airway narrowing
• 🐕 Obstruction during breathing
• 😷 Chronic coughing

As the membrane flattens and droops into the airway, it creates a tickling sensation that triggers coughing. In severe cases, it causes respiratory distress, especially during exercise or stress.

🧬 What Causes It?

• 🧠 Congenital weakness of cartilage (hereditary)
• 📉 Age-related degeneration
• 🚬 Exposure to airway irritants (like smoke or dust)
• 🏋️ Obesity
• 🦠 Respiratory infections (e.g., kennel cough)
• 💉 Repeated anesthesia with intubation
• ❤️ Heart enlargement pressing on the trachea

🐶 At-Risk Breeds

Tracheal collapse is most common in toy breeds, including:

• Poodles
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Pomeranians
• Chihuahuas

Signs typically emerge in middle age or later, though they can appear at any age.

🩺 Symptoms to Watch For

• 🗣️ Honking or harsh cough
• 🐾 Exercise intolerance
• 😫 Labored or rapid breathing
• 🔵 Cyanosis (blue-tinged gums during episodes)
• ⚠️ Collapse during excitement or activity

🌀 The Cough-Injury Cycle

Each collapse causes irritation → which leads to coughing → which causes inflammation → which worsens the collapse. This vicious cycle makes early intervention crucial.

🧪 Diagnosing Tracheal Collapse

Your vet may use:

• 🩻 Chest radiographs (X-rays)
• 📽️ Fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray)
• 🔬 Tracheoscopy (camera visualization of the airway)

Severity is graded from 1 to 4, with Grade 4 being complete tracheal flattening.

💊 Medical Treatment

In most cases, medical management is successful. Options include:

• 💊 Cough suppressants (e.g., hydrocodone)
• 💉 Short-term corticosteroids for inflammation
• 🌬️ Inhaled steroids for long-term control
• 💊 Bronchodilators (e.g., theophylline) – reduce chest pressure
• 💊 Antibiotics – if infection is present
• 🧪 Liver support meds if oxygen deprivation affects liver function

One medication, stanozolol, once used for cartilage support, is now difficult to obtain in the U.S.

🏡 At-Home Management Tips:

• 🚶‍♂️ Use a harness, not a collar
• 🧘 Keep stress and exertion minimal
• 🏋️ Maintain a healthy weight
• 🌫️ Use air purifiers to reduce irritants
• 🛑 Avoid cigarette smoke or aerosol sprays

🚨 Emergencies

In severe episodes, dogs may show:

• 🔵 Blue gums
• 😰 Panic or collapse

This is an emergency. Immediate care includes oxygen therapy, sedation, and cough suppressants.

🛠️ Surgical Solutions

For dogs who don’t respond to medication, surgery may be considered. Two main options are:

1. 💍 Tracheal Ring Prosthesis

Rings are placed externally to support the trachea. Best for extrathoracic (neck) collapse. Risks include:

• 🧪 Laryngeal paralysis
• 🕳️ Permanent tracheostomy
• 📉 Median survival ~25 months

2. 🔩 Mesh Stent (Preferred)

A self-expanding mesh stent is placed inside the trachea:

• 🔧 75–90% success rate
• 🩺 Fewer surgical complications
• 📊 Better outcomes in severe cases

Potential complications include bleeding, stent migration, or tissue overgrowth blocking airflow.

🔬 Tracheal Collapse & Liver Disease

Studies show that up to 92% of dogs with tracheal collapse have abnormal liver function tests. Oxygen deprivation is likely a factor. Liver function should be monitored and supported if needed.

🩺 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Tracheal collapse can be frightening and life-altering, but most dogs respond well to a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. In severe cases, advanced surgical solutions offer hope.

Early intervention is key—so if your dog shows signs of chronic cough or respiratory distress, don’t delay a veterinary evaluation. 🐾

📲 Worried About Your Dog’s Cough? Ask A Vet Now

If you're noticing breathing issues or coughing in your dog, download the Ask A Vet app to get live support from trusted professionals like Dr Duncan Houston. We're here 24/7 to guide you and help your pup breathe easier 🐶💬🫁.