Collapsing trachea results when the tracheal (windpipe) cartilages soften. 

A diagnosis of the tracheal collapse is based on history, physical examination and x-rays

Treatment may include medical therapy in the early phases and surgery in the more advanced stages of the disease.

Prognosis can be favorable with therapy.

What is it?

• Collapsing trachea occurs most often in middle-aged to older dogs.  The diagnosis is suggested by a honking cough that starts from excitement, activity or water drinking.  This is usually a non-productive cough, and can occur without any stimulus. 
• Collapsing trachea results when the tracheal (windpipe) cartilages soften. 
• The trachea should resemble a relatively firm garden hose.  Viewed on end, the trachea is a U-shaped structure with a tight membrane covering the top.  Where cartilage softens, it collapses and widens at the top.  The membranes then drapes (collapses) loosely blocking the inside of the “hose”.  This results in an inability to bring air into or out of the trachea and lungs during breathing.

Clinical Signs

• Signs vary with the severity of the collapse and may include mild to severe panting, respiratory distress and cyanosis (a bluish color to the gums). 
• The dog may also “belly breath” (abdominal breathing) which can cause tense abdominal muscles.  These dogs a frequently over weight, but may thin.
             
             

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of collapsing trachea, initially historical, is substantiated when your veterinarian can cause your pet to cough by digital manipulation of the neck area. 
• Radiographs (x-rays) identify changes in the trachea during both breathing in and breathing out.
• Scoping of the trachea may be indicated in some cases to help identify the extent of the tracheal collapse
             

Treatment

• When treating the effects of collapsing trachea, multiple medications may be used.  Medications can not reverse the changes that have occurred to the trachea, but can help make your pet more comfortable.  During the acute phase, respiratory distress and severe bouts of coughing are treated with medication that relax the trachea and lung and sedate your dog. 
• Short-term anti-inflammatory medications help decrease the swelling and irritation in the trachea and airways. 
• Antibiotics are given if there is an infection. 
• Cough suppressants are usually derived from narcotics and help suppress the cough, but can also sedate your pet significantly. 
• Surgical correction of a collapsing trachea may be considered when medical therapy is not effective. Surgery involves suturing plastic rings around the trachea, which then keep the airway open.
• Obesity can complicate collapsing trachea by increasing the effort that your pet exerts to breath.  The additional weight adds to the work you pet must do to move as well as increasing the amount of fat in the abdominal cavity pressing on the lungs.  Weight control is very important and without weight loss in an obese animal, the medications can not work as well as they would otherwise.
• A harness should be used instead of a collar.
             

Prognosis

• The prognosis remains good for many pets with early developing tracheal collapse, but the condition can be a serious, life-threatening problem when severe respiratory distress occurs.  Repeated bouts of severe coughing and respiratory distress would give a poorer prognosis.