February 6, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health, Pet Meds

Of course you want your beloved canine companion to breathe easy, which is why it is important to know about tracheal collapse, a common cause of airway obstruction in dogs. Like in humans, the trachea is the "windpipe" that connects to the lungs and allows air to be transported to and fro. This "pipe" is made up of sturdy rings of cartilage. When these tracheal rings of cartilage begin to collapse, the dog may have a cough that sounds like honking, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Aside from the honking cough, you will know if your dog is suffering from a collapsed trachea if it will not tolerate exercise, has labored breathing and a bluish tint to its gums. The cough and other symptoms may be exacerbated when the pooch is excited, eating, drinking or exposed to hot temperatures, dust or smoke, the news outlet reports. Yorkies are primarily affected by this genetic condition,  but other toy breeds are also prone.

If you believe your dog is suffering from tracheal collapse, it is important to bring it to the veterinarian for an examination. The vet may perform radiographs or a fluoroscopy to view the trachea and examine any damage. The vet will treat the condition with pet drugs like cough suppressants and bronchodilators. He or she may also prescribe a corticosteroid like Prednisone or an antibiotic like Amoxicillin. If your dog is overweight or obese, your vet may recommend putting your dog on a diet with pet food like Candidae Platinum Seniors & Overweight Dog Dry Food to drop some pounds and relieve pressure on the trachea.

If these treatments do not work over two weeks, surgery is often the best option. The most commonly used surgical technique has a 74 to 85 percent success rate. This operation is tricky, and should be performed by a skilled, experienced surgeon at a referral center if it is necessary for your dog, ASPCA reports. Help your canine recover from this surgery by making sure it has plenty of pet products like a Pillow Dog Bed.

The ASPCA reports that after your dog has recovered from this condition, it is important for you to keep its weight down – even a tad underweight is ideal. You should also replace the dog's collar with a chest harness and avoid irritants like smoke or dust that could bother its respiratory system. 

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