|
The trachea or windpipe is composed of C shaped rings of cartilage that are joined by muscle and ligaments to create the tube like structure we breathe through.
Certain conditions can result in the trachea’s losing its tube like shape to that it collapses. When it collapses, air can no longer move freely through it. Then the animal breathes with difficulty and/or exhibit s honking cough.
There are many causes that include trauma to the windpipe from collars, nerve damage, inherited weakness, degeneration of the cartilage in older animals and abnormal air flow in and out of the lungs.
Except for the congenital forms present at firth, most cases of tracheal collapse occur in small breed dogs.
Usually a complete physical examination and X-rays are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of tracheal collapse. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may be a change in the pet’s lifestyle and/or medical therapy. In rarer case surgery may be needed. There are some cases that cannot be cured and the treatment goal is to decrease the severity and frequency of breathing difficulties.
Other conditions can aggravate a dog predisposed to having a collapsing trachea. Bacterial infection of the gums, gingivitis, which is usually secondary to tarter and plaque can be carried down the windpipe and cause infection of the membranes holding the rings of cartilage together. When these membranes become more inflamed and infected, the rate of collapse increases. Good oral hygiene can greatly decrease the frequency and severity of some cases of collapsing trachea. There are certain infectious agents that cause kennel cough that make this disease worse for dogs with collapsing tracheas. If your dog goes to the groomer, boards, plays with other pets at a dog park, or goes shopping at pet superstores you want to make sure their Kennel Cough vaccine is given every 6 months. This does not 100% stop infection, but it should help decrease the severity of the signs.
|
