Tracheal collapse is most common in toy and miniature breeds of dogs, although it may occasionally occur in large-breed dogs. The cause is unknown. Affected dogs have a dry, honking, chronic cough, and labored breathing. They can have trouble breathing during inspiration or expiration. The condition occurs more frequently in dogs that are obese and in those with heart disease or another lung disease (especially chronic bronchitis). Weight loss for obese or overweight dogs is critical in the management of tracheal collapse. Other measures include exercise restriction, reduction of excitement and stress, and appropriate medications such as cough suppressants, antibiotics, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Lung and Airway Disorders of Dogs
Introduction to Lung and Airway Disorders of Dogs
Accumulation of Fluid or Air in the Chest Cavity in Dogs
Allergic Pneumonitis in Dogs
Bronchitis in Dogs
Cancers and Tumors of the Lung and Airway in Dogs
Canine Influenza (Flu)
Canine Nasal Mites
Diaphragmatic Hernia in Dogs
Emphysema in Dogs
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) in Dogs
Laryngitis in Dogs
Lung Flukes in Dogs
Lungworm Infection in Dogs
Paralysis of the Larynx in Dogs
Pharyngitis in Dogs
Pneumonia in Dogs
Pulmonary Edema in Dogs
Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Dogs
Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Dogs
Tonsillitis in Dogs
Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
Tracheobronchitis (Bronchitis) in Dogs
