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TRACHEAL COLLAPSE

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Description
The lumen of the trachea is kept open by cartilage rings and annular ligaments that make up it's wall.. Collapse of the trachea can occur in the neck region, or in the intra-thoracic part of the trachea. Reduction in the diameter of the trachea seriously affects resistance to air flowing through it, making breathing difficult.

Cause

Tracheal collapse is narrowing of the trachea due to either or both of  flattening of the cartilage rings or failure of the dorsal tracheal membrane to support it..

Breed Occurrence
Middle-aged toy and miniature dogs most often develop collapse of the trachea, although it can also been seen earlier in life, and in large-breed dogs. It is rare in cats.

Signs
 The main sign is a cough which sounds like a "honk" and which often occurs when the dog gets excited or is exercised. Usually no mucus is produced. The dog may have difficulty breathing in if the collapse is in the neck region, and difficulty breathing out if the collapse is in the thoracic cavity. Onset of the condition can be sudden, and in some dogs respiratory distress may be present.

On auscultation of the chest there may be a "click" heard at the end of expiration.

Complications
 Chronic bronchitis with collapse of the mainstem bronchi is a common complication in older dogs .

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually confirmed by radiography during inspiration for the portion of the trachea in the neck, and during expiration for the trachea within the thoracic cavity. Fluoroscopy or bronchoscopy may also be helpful.

Treatment

Medical treatment alone is effective in managing with over 70% of affected dogs having signs disappear for at least 1 year. Weight reduction is important for obese patients and the application of neck collars should be avoided.. Stress, excitement and exercise should be avoided if they precipitate collapse of the trachea.

Other treatments which may be deployed if indicated include :

  • Cough suppressants
  • Bronchodilators
  • Sedatives
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Antibiotics (if infection is present)

Surgical treatment, usually the application of a splint,  is an option for dogs in which medical treatments are unsuccessful. 

Prognosis

The prognosis is good for dogs with mild signs, but guarded for those with severe respiratory distress

 

Updated October 2013

 

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