Tracheal Collapse in Dogs… Symptoms, expectations and Costs

Tracheal collapse is a reasonably common occurrence in dogs. That said, it can be scary when it happens – after all, that’s how your dog breathes! If you think your god has had a tracheal collapse, here’s everything you need to know.

What is Tracheal Collapse in Dogs?

The trachea is the pipe in the neck that helps mammals breathe. It’s made of cartilage rings (tracheal rings) that are joined together. As a result, sometimes, the rings collapse – this is a collapsing trachea.

Why does it happen?

Veterinarians and scientists still really aren’t sure why it happens. Some say it’s a congenital disability, but that’s a theory, not a fact. Others say this is a genetic condition.

Certain Breeds at Risk for Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Some believe it’s a genetic condition because it’s exponentially more common in toy breeds like Yorkshire terriers. Other small-breed dogs are also at risk.

Clinical Signs & Symptoms of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Since the cartilage rings are collapsing, the first sign is that your dog has breathing problems or a constant cough or honking cough. If he sounds out of breath, asthmatic, or, worst-case scenario, even starts turning blue, you may witness a tracheal collapse. Any of these can be further provoked or worsened by:

• Exercise intolerance,
• Obesity,
• Certain foods,
• Drinking.

Diagnosis of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Coughing that sounds like a goose honk, particularly in small dogs, is a big sign. A veterinarian may go just off this, or they may want to find a definitive diagnosis. If so, they may want to see if bronchial collapse has also occurred. The vet may recommend a fluoroscopy to know the dog’s entire trachea, including the cervical trachea. The vet may also want to test the function of the lungs to rule out any other conditions that cause breathing problems.

Your vet will…

I will usually also want to see if the tracheal lumen has been impacted and if there is laryngeal paralysis. Both of these things can happen when the rings of cartilage collapse. If either has happened, it will affect the treatment plan.

Treatment of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Most of the time, the treatment includes essential medications, particularly cough suppressants or possibly steroid therapy. This is known as medical management. However, this depends on how much of the airway is closed off. If the dog is struggling to breathe, a tracheal stent may be necessary. Stent placement isn’t that easy and doesn’t always work. About 25% of tracheal stents are unsuccessful. A stent will be recommended only in severe cases.

Usually…

The vet will start by trying medical therapy; if it is unsuccessful, they will move on to a surgical option. If the dog is obese, the vet recommends a diet.

Which brings us to…

We want to remind folks that we at IndulgeYourPet are not doctors, veterinarians, or medical professionals. We are all a bunch of folks passionate about animals and only want what’s best for them. This is why if you feel like your pet may have tracheal collapse (or any other health issue), you’ll want to have them checked out by a vet ASAP!

Because…

An early diagnosis will often lead to the “best” medical outcome for your pet regardless of what is bothering them, but beyond that, diagnosing a medical condition early could save you a bundle of medical costs!

Cost of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

We know this is the hard part – discussing the cost of health care for a loved one (yes, your dog is your loved one) is difficult, but it’s a reality. You want the treatment, but you’ll have to pay for it. If it’s only a matter of medical management, then it will be the cost of medication. However, if you have to get your dog surgery, it will be a lot more.

Let’s compare the average prices:

Medication + vet visit: Less than $300

Surgery: Less than $2500

Remember…

After part one, you’ll only know if your dog needs surgery – the medication and vet visit.   So, combine the prices. If you’re an average person, shelling out $300 on the spot can put you in a bind, and shelling out $2000+… can cause significant problems. This is also why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.

Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?

No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?

For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.