Collapsing trachea in Dogs

This is a question that is asked several times by a good number of small breed dog owners. Most of them are unaware of the condition that is called Collapsed trachea that is predominantly seen the small dog breeds. You probably may be wondering why your dogs keep coughing this could be the answer to your concern- Collapsed Trachea in small dog breeds. One of the best ways to identify this condition is to note that if you have a small dog breed this could be the cause of the problem.

Most case you will hear your dog coughing and taking shallow breaths and in severe case you me hear increased breathing (apnea). These are obvious symptoms of a collapsed trachea a very commonly reported health problem affecting most of the Toy dog breeds. Though the condition is exclusive to the toy breed not all of the toy breeds are predisposed to this condition but certainly they will at one time or another have more probability of suffering from this condition. Some of the breeds that the condition has been reported include the Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Maltese, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. Understanding the anatomy of the wind pipe will help you understand what causes this condition and how you can possibly manage the condition.

The trachea is maintained open by c shaped rings of cartilage. When the cartilage weakens, the trachea begins to collapse and the amount of air that can get through is severely reduced causing difficult in breathing.This condition occurs between the ages of 4 to 14 years. The reduced airflow increases stress on the heart and lungs.Heat, humidity and excitement augment the symptoms. The dog experiences dyspnea (difficulty in breathing) and she or he becomes exercise intolerant. When you try to walk the dog they may be in difficult and possibly refuse any attempt to move. This should be on of the ways top identify this problem in severity. Some people use a home remedy of children cough syrup to alleviate the pain suffering and it does help as a first aid but this condition warrant a veterinary examination of the dog.

Most case this condition is managed using steroids to control the inflammation of the wind pipe and this may be a used in management of the condition not cure. One of the most effective ways of permanently solving this condition is by a surgical procedure that widens the wind pipe and makes it bigger. This is the best solution that is available for treatment of this condition though it is not only costly but risky.

Though the condition is a breed predisposition you may find more value in keeping the dog away from irritating substances that may make the condition worsen. Irritants such as smoke and dust may cause the severalty of this condition to increase. A dog collar may also add more problems and increase the severalty of this condition you may find alternative to this. Since this is an inherited condition your dog health record should be kept updated to be on the safe side.

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