This is commonly seen in small breed dogs and is caused by a progressive weakening of the tracheal rings. Korea
Dogs with tracheal collapse may have any of various symptoms depending on the severity of the condition. Some dogs may make an almost musical sound when breathing, and gag or cough to try to reopen the airway. Picture of tracheal collapse
Dog food companies have developed nutritionally complete and balanced foods that need not be supplemented with table scraps or vitamins & minerals. In fact, daily meals should not include more than 10% table scraps.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is common in middle age toy and miniature breed dogs. Cartilaginous defects have been identified histological and are considered a form of chondromalacia. Tracheal collapse (TC) has been managed by medical therapeutics, surgical correction, and intra- and extra-luminal prostheses, depending on the degree of the collapse (1 –3 ). Medical management in association with a weight loss program has generally been used to control moderate cases of tracheal collapse.
Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea partially collapses as a dog breathes, leading to tracheal irritation, coughing and sometimes secondary changes in the lungs or upper airways. It is most common in toy breed dogs but can occur in larger breeds at times.
Yorkshire Terriers and other small breed dogs occasionally have respiratory problems. The two main respiratory ailments in small breed dogs are reverse sneezing and tracheal collapse.
Yorkshire Terriers, also called the Yorkie, are the most popular breed in the toy dogs today. They are highly sought after by breeders all over the world and pet owners alike. Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, spirited and alert. Patient training and early socialization will reduce the Yorkshire Terrier's tendencies towards timidity and nipping. So ask your self this question and then look for the answer, what is collapsing tracheal?
Treatment for Tracheal collapse consists of conservative therapy or, in severe cases, surgery. Treatment for mild to moderate cases include corticosteroids and antitussives . Severe cases can be treated with surgical implantation of a tracheal stent or prosthetic rings.
Tracheal collapse in Yorkie is very serious so don't over look the symptoms.
23 comments:
My Yorkie of 11 yrs has moderate collapsing tracheal problems. The only place that does surgery is the University of Mn. where I live, and I cannot afford it. The medicine the vet gives him doesn't seen to help. Do I just watch and wait for him to die of this? Its very hard for me to watch him struggle to breathe and listen to him and see that he is confused about what is going on when his wheezing is severe. Other then this he is healthy. Right now he is on a dilator,just came off prednesone. I don't know what to do for him. It doesn't seem right to "put him down" just for wheezing and struggling to breathe but are there any other options? Please help! Thanks Carrie
how is your little one doing? I just read your comment and Im so sad for the two of you. I wish I could do something to help. My yorkie started choking yesterday during a walk outside. He just turned one year old. The vet thinks it might be an allergic reaction to something outside. He put him on an antibiotic and benadryl. Im so worried that it may be the start of a collapsed trachea.
I also have a 11 year old yorkie who is severing from the same tracheal problem. He is on medicines for it that don't seem to work as he is getting worse. I'am also debating whether to put him down because I cannot stand to watch him struggle for air. My vet says to wait a little longer to see if he turns around. He cannot sleep well because he is in a panic about his breathing. I also can't afford the operation. I don't think he would pull through it. He also has a bad heart.
Hi, Im also watching my best friend Chip.....suffer at times with this illness :-(
He is 11yrs old, full of life and is SO happy and SO kind, loving and clever..its seems so unfair he has this awful condition when he is otherwise healthy and happy.
He suddenly deteriorated two nights ago and was struggling to breathe and honking. Poor little boy waas trying to cough the airway (as used to work) but was having awful difficulty.
I sat up with him all night calming him and trying to reassure him all would be fine but by 5am, he hadn't improved and looked so exhausted I called in an emergency vet....I was crying my eyes out as I knew it meant the end for him. It cost me £250.....but....was worth every penny because ....he is still here AND is a lot better than he has been for a quite sometime!
Whilst awaiting the vet, I carried Chip to the garden.
The fresh air obviously helped him AND standing up also helped him to breathe easier.
So I learned two new tricks to add to the others I have picked up as Chip and I cope with this illness!
In an attack....cool fresh air helps AND standing up! I had been wrongly trying to assist him to sleep - hoping that relaxing would have helped him as in previous attacks, but this attack was so bad...he needed to stand and breathe in colder air.
By the time the vet came, Chip was quite perky and happy.....if exhausred from all the struggling earlier.
The vet STILL hinted it may be kinder to put him to sleep....but conceded to my request for anti-biotics as I wondered if he had an infection (his breathe smelt wrong). Luckily the vet gave Chip a high dose injection of antibiotics and an steriod - agreeing that as a last chance...these would help IF he did have an infection. And the steroid anti-inflamatory, may just help his wind-pipe if it was swollen.
Well....it worked. When the vet went away and Chip tried to sleep, all the problems returned. It seemed he was fine...so long as he nevre went to sleep...which would not be possible of course. So being brave (!) I kept up the encouragement for him whilst weeping inside ansd praying the injected medicine wouyld kick in and help.
And just when I thought all was lost....at 10am he suddenly went to sleep...and wasn't struggling for breath. Ok, it was only for 5 minutes, then trhew chocking started...but it was a start and as the day wore on, he caught up with his slepp and the attack faded!
Today I write this announcing that he last night had his BEST sleep for ages! Not even any snoring!!
What a relief!
It would appear my Chippie, could have been put to sleep...when all he had was an infection - agggravating his Trachea problems.
Thank Goodness I fought for those anti-biotics.
I'm still dreading any return of the bad attacks and I am still so scarfed his trachea is worsening and that awful day must come..
But I have learned the new trick of standing him outside-even when he's tired out.....as he quickly improves AND I've learned to pay great attention to his breathe....as it WAS a sign of an infection that complicates his other illness.
I'm keeping an eye out for any new tricks that help....and am hopoing that the vetinary world will come up with a better, more successful operation for Tracheal Collapse.
Is a horrible condition for such lovely pets to suffer from. I do hope someone can sort out a remedy soon.
In the meantime...me and Chip are spending EVEN more quality time together! He's my bestist friend!
And a very happy boy again!
My little Yorkie would have turned 15 years old in November and sadly just died from his trachea collapsing this April. In years past when I first noticed this condition, he would go on a regimen of (steriods, cough suppressants, and antibotics). That would work for about 6 to 8 months and then he would have another episode (as I would call it). But three years later (this April of 2011), nothing worked. Not even cool air, keeping him calm, standing up). He was such a healthy boy and would have lived much longer if it wasn't for the trachea collapsing. That dreadful weekend he had an episode and couldn't get it under control. I took him to a speciality vet hospital and they kept him in oxygen for 48 hours, but once discharged, breathing became so difficult. I knew it would be our last night together. I wasn't sure what to expect that night, but the night of April 4 he laid on the floor and moaned. I always wondered how I would know when it was time for him to go. But I knew he wanted to go that night. I cried and he moaned (and honked). It was too sad. there was no comforting him, and was obvious he was suffocating. When I rushed him back to the vet ER hospital, it was different. The vet looked at me and instead of rushing him into oxygen, she said "heart to heart, your doggie is dying". Meds didn't work any longer. He could only live if he remained in an oxygen tent. He was put to rest that night and part of me died with him.
My silky, Sparky, age 14 was fighting liver failure and keratosis on his paws. He wanted to win, but sadly a sudden onset of tracheal collapse took so much out of him, we had to put him down. We let four hours of incubated oxygen go by before we made the decision. He had a very loving passing, however in the aftermath, I am unconsolable. He was my cornerstone. I completely understand your feelings and am so sorry for you.
My Sparky would have done anything to stay with us, sadly, he could not breathe.
I have a 7 year old Yorkie with a severe case of collapsing trachea. The entire medial portion of his trachea is about the size of a pencil lead. He is admitted to the hospital and is in an 02 tent to bring up his oxygen saturation % level.
We will start him on 5 medications, but I fear the worst. I just lost my little chihuahua (gentle girl) one month ago, so I am very, very upset.
We had to have our beloved little Yorkie Barney put to sleep last Thursday - 21st July 2011. He was 16yrs and 4 months old. We are devastated to say the least. He has been treated for about 4 years for a heart condition, which the vet did say was getting a little better, but last time I took him to visit the vets, he had what I called 'one of his little coughing episodes' in the surgery. The vet said this was a new problem and that his trachea was collapsing. He was put on steroid tablets for 5 days, then one every other day for a few days. On the sixth day, I left the tablet off as was advised, but by late evening he was really struggling to breathe properly. I gave him half a tablet and then a further whole one at 2am in the morning. We were at the vets surgery by 8.35am where they put him in an oxygen tent for 6 hours, but to no avail. We were told that we could have tried more medication, but given his age and the severity of his breathing the best option would be to put him to sleep, as it was only a matter of time before the whole thing happened again. We didn't want him to go through that again as it was so distressing for him trying to breathe, and painful for us to watch as well. We miss him more than words can say. He was such a little character, and acted as if he was a Rotweiller. No other dog will ever replace him - I don't know yet if we will have another in the future, but at the moment we have to come to terms with our loss. I hope all your little dogs who have this condition respond well to their treatment, and that you will have your furry friends for many more years to come. I wanted to write this as a tribute to our lovely Barney as I don't want him to be forgotten. Thanks for reading this.
Barney Bell 4.3.1995 - 21.7.2011
It is very hard to read all these posts. I think one of my Yorkies has a collapsed trachea. I'm taking her to the vet tomorrow. I am a bit scared. She is 6 yrs old.
My other Yorkie (12 hrs old) is a diabetic, but well regulated with insulin. Doing great.
It's too bad this group isn't more active, because I really need some support right now. Still, just reading the other posts has opened my eyes to the reality of my poor Spencer's condition... the Truth that my usually wonderful Vet wasn't telling me. Now I feel hurt and betrayed.
At 10 yrs old, Spencer has never been sick a day in his life, until just 3 wks ago. I knew he was getting sick but the little guy wasn't having ANY symptoms! Finally on day #5 he was looking like he was dying, so I took him to the Vet. I was told there was thickening in his lungs and he had bronchitis from emphysema. (huh?) He was given an antibiotic shot with a steroid. By the next day he was better and back to his old self the day after that. Then, out of the blue he was suddenly VERY sick with this awful cough. Back to the Vet, who gave the same treatment as before. We were to return in 2 days to see Vet #2 for another shot, but by then he was even worse: coughing and fever. Knowing his breath was getting nasty and infected teeth can cause respiratory infections, I was just getting ready to ask Vet #2 to check his teeth and she was doing this before I got the chance to ask! (don't know why the other Vet didn't think of this common relationship, but then, I missed it too). The chest x-ray was repeated, showing he had a tracheal collapse. Thi totally threw me- I'd never heard of this before!!! All the Vet told me was it 'might' clear up or maybe not. What the heck kind of teaching is that?!
So I go online (which bugs the crap out of doctors and vets). I read about a surgery using C-rings. Vet tells me there IS NO SURGERY... that "stents don't work." I didn't read anything about stents. But in all fairness to Dr. Bud, we were talking on the phone and he was thinking of another dog he'd seen this week- getting the two mixed up- plus he's sick too. He's always been a grade A gem over the past 11 yrs.
Anyway, I'm finally learning what I need to know- mostly from what I've read here. I'm also very angry at myself for not taking the time to do something so darn easy--- LOOK AT HIS TEETH! I know this is a problem with all Yorkies, yet I've ignored it. If only I'd found this nasty infection earlier, Spencer might not be suffering so much now.
So, from what I'm reading, it sounds like I might be able to have a little more time with Spencer, but not to expect it to be very long.
If anyone reads this and can offer their knowledge and support, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Judy
I am deeply sorry to those of you that have experienced the loss of your beloved Yorkies. Two months ago I adopted a Yorkie from rescue, and off and on she would have mild episodes of the honking, but it didn't last long. This morning she had a scary episode while barking at another dog I have from rescue(a Lab), she stopped barking and started gasping for air and she was so scared.I tried calming her which seemed to help in the past, but not this time. This episode was the longest and I was afraid she was dying. I took the suggestion about getting her out in the fresh air and it seemed to help, she started breathing it in and the look on her face seemed to relax. I am going to call the vet and see how we can help her, she is only 4 years old.
We have a year and half old male Yorkie named Baylee he is a tea cup yorkie that we just found out last night was suffering from a collapsing trachea. I am so heart broken and it makes me so sad when he suffers from an attack which started about a month ago. The Vet Hospital we took him to last night put him on some steriods and cough meds. But a few weeks ago had diagnosed him with Kennel Cough.So they first had gave him antibiotics and cough medicine. It seemed to help at first but it came back just as bad the other night. So I decided to take him back last night and like I said they gave him the steriods and the cough medicine. But the vet on call at the hospital said that there was a new procedure done that can help these babies. He said they can put a stint in like they do heart patients to open the heart valve. He said they would put him to sleep put the stint down his wind pipe and open it up when it was placed in the right spot to open the wind pipe back up. But he said the only place that was available that he knew of was in Charleston South Carolina. I did not ask how much the procedure was but I can only imagine that it would be expensive just like everything else is in this world. Me and my whole family feel as Baylee is part of our family and hate to see him suffer but when you don't have the money to have them seen about what do you do just watch a part of your family die in front of your eyes. My 11 yr old will be so heart broken if our Baylee passes away from this. The vet told us last night that other than this condition that our baby was as healthy as a horse. He also said Yorkie's live a long time 15 to 17 yrs of age but I am so afraid my baby won't make it that long now due to his condition. But just thought I would share with everyone just in case you want to check into this like I said the vet he was speaking of is in Charleston South Carolina. Good luck and I will be praying for everyones babies and you pray for ours.
My dog Gizmo is a healthy little two year old that likes nothing better then cuddles and frisby and maybe swimming. he got an aweful honk one weekend camping and then a few months later and a few months after that. The vet said that it was only kennel cough but my boy is hardly ever around other dogs and his shots are always up to date. The vet kept giving him cough suppressants that worked for a few hours before sparking up again. However this time I had enough and told the vet to look further and not bandaid the problem. The found he has a narrow trachea and it collapses. But it only happens once every two months or so. The vet has started him on a low dose of prednesone for a month or so to ease this bout, and then we need to have some on hand for when it flares up or emergencys. It takes about 10-20 minutes to work and it does work for my little man. he has so much life in him and I dont believe in putting him down because he has illnesses. I have fibromyalgia, the worst case in fact, and I am ultimately pain free with medications. My dog depends on me and I dont believe that his life needs to end because of a condition that can be managed. If you find the right vet, they can always make your doggy comfortable and this condition can always be managed with minimal to no suffering. In emergencys have a dose of steroids on hand, keep your dogs temperature normal and away from dust, smoke, dirt, or allergens such as pollen during an attack and get your dog tested for allergys if possible. Keep your dog standing if possible and talk camly to them, in fresh air if possible. Ice helps soothe the throat and Ive found that lots of water when the cough has subsided helps alot. sometimes a little bit of gatorade or low calorie ice cream coax your dog to drink. We were also given an inhaler for our boy for when he has a harder time getting over his bouts of coughing and it works wonders. we may have to look into surgery in the future but I have his steroids on hand, were getting an inhaler for when he really needs it, and hes on hypo allergenic food. We also run an air purifyer to keep the air inside clean. So far our little man is doing good and is able to live and enjoy his life. We bought him ready to be responsible for him and this is part of it. he deserves so much. Dont give up, this disease is treatable in most dogs and can be managed with proper care.
My little 9/yr old yorkie has an enlarged heart and a collapsed trachea.
We were given hydracodone by the vet, but she absolutely despised taking it. I was lucky enough to find the petwellbeing.com website. I now have her on hearty heart, tripsy, respitory aid, and glucosomine. Everything I'm treating her with currently is from that site. She's also on Go Natural dog food. It's supposed to have less grain. I didn't know until last year that grain dog food was so bad for our dogs. I also do not even use a harness on her unless I absolutely have to. I'm a real customer and I don't get any perks for telling people about the petwellbeing site, but I love my little girl tons and if I can help others, then I will share the info. It took just over a week for the respitory aid to kick in, but my pet seems to be doing just as well as she was on the hydracodone with the exception that she seems more herself and normal now, not all doped up. I'm trying my best to go as natural as possible with this.
Best of luck to everyone.
I wrote last year that fresh air helped and my Chip improved. I spent the whole year dedicated to ensuring Chip was happy and had a great time and all my love. Thank Goodness because my poor little boy lost his fight against collapsing trachea on 13/3/12. And i am sooooo distraught and lost now without him- but at least we shared wonderful times and he had an extra happy year. He had been so brave and happy. It wasn't too frequent or bad for 12 years and we coped without distress (bar a few attacks that needed streriods and anti-biotics overnight when it happened), but recently it came and wouldn't go. I think before- it would collapse and return to normal, this time it all stayed collapsed and he had to suck air in and....as it was too bad and he couldnt sleep, arrrg...he had to be put to sleep - which has almost killed me too:-( We had time to to talk and cuddle and I cuddled him as it happened and reassured the wonderful boy to save any distress. But I am lost and I am heartbroken without him as we had such a wonderful 12 years. MY POINT today IS . I WAS TOLD A PET HOSPITAL IN NEWMARKET SUFFOLK, UK DOES THE OPERATION. Sadly my boy couldn't travel as he wouldnt have survived the journey, so we didn't get to go. I had heard bad things before about the operation but since-have heard good things. Please do research the operation and results. If it is a good option I wish you luck. Either way I wish you many happy years with your woof. At least every year of Chips life was full of love and attention (yes he was spoilt! He deserved to be as he was SO good and happy!)It is such an unfair ailment as my boy was the cutest, funniest, cleverest, kindest dog I had ever known, and we were best chums. God Bless 'Mr Chip' and good luck and best wishes for many happy years with your wondeful Yorkies. And research the Newmarket option. I have no further info as it was too late for us x
Last night I had to rush my 7 year old Yorkie to the emergency clinic. On the drive there I thought he was going to die and I was going to lose my baby right then and there. He has had breathing problems before (on and off for 2 years) and last time they thought it was his heart (he has had 2 cardiograms and they never told me about the possibility of a collapsing trachea). Their "fix" at the time (3 times) was put him for a bit in an oxygen tent and let him calm down (which worked). However, last night the oxygen tent did nothing. They had to sedate him and put a tube down his throat in order for him to breath. Once stabilized they put him back in an oxygen tent - throughout the course of last night even being in the oxygen tent he suffered 3 attacks. This morning I went to pick him up (since the emerg clinic closes at 8am) to transfer him to my vets. The entire car ride felt like a nightmare. This was the first time since yesterday that he was out of the oxygen tent and it seemed that without it he couldn't breath. I arrived at my vets and they said they didn't have the proper equipment incase he crashes to help him. They referred me to another veterinary hospital 15 minutes away. They topped up his oxygen with a mask and I immediately took him to the other hospital. The drive there is started trying to spit up and panting heavily and gasping for air. From there they took him right away and placed him in an oxygen chamber under constant supervision. After sitting and waiting for about 40 minutes the doctor spoke with me. He told me about collapsing tracheal problems and is 95% sure this is the problem. $4000 later my baby Brandy is in the hospital where he is to remain for at least 48-72 hours and undergo a series of tests and observations. I hope it is not too late. He told me surgery is probably going to be the way to go - however if even that goes well he will probably have a year to live if that.... I do not understand why in the past they did not think to check for this problem - maybe if they had we could have caught it earlier... for now he cannot breath without being fed oxygen and even then he has attacks. I am so scared I am going to lose my boy...I do not know how much surgery/medicine/additional treatment will cost....I just wish so badly they could have told me sooner or thought of the possibility of it earlier... I do not know what to do or think.... He is my life.
My heart goes out to each and every one of you....My girl, Gracie, is 10 years old and a Yorkie cross. She was diagnosed with a collapsing trachea after an xray and vet visit. Prednisone was prescribed and we have doing this on and off for the last two years. She is steadily becoming worse and the saddest part for me is that I am financially unable to get any more help. After many years, my husband left and I had two sister cats and two small dogs to love and care for. What does a person do? How can someone on a limited income possibly afford the vet bills? I actually had others tell me to put them all down in order to move out of my 36 ft fifth wheel that I bought as a home for all of us because renting a place is almost impossible now with animals in tow. Gracie is now showing signs of worsening; I have read all that others have done to help their loving furry friends; I am readying myself for the decision to set my girl free so she wont suffer. My heart is breaking....I have done all that I can do to give all my furry girls a home; safe and loved and cared for and treasured.....my best friends. I am pleased to know that others feel for their pets as much I do. We know that when we bring them into our lives that chances are, we will outlive them and that one day, we will have to say goodbye.....My tears do not cloud the issues of illness with our four legged children....I wish for you all, peace and understanding when we do say goodbye. My time with my Gracie has been a wonderful 10 years and I am a better person because of love. My best to you all....Jeannette
My yorkie had stent put in 6 years ago
My little yorkie is 8 years old, and the tracheal collapse started like 3 years ago, and it has become worse. Yesterday was a scary day for us, I took him to visit some of my friends, he is very friendly and loves humans, all day he was ok, but when we came back home, I guess bc he was overstimulated ( different people, environment), he started to have a very hard time to breath, by 4 am I had to take him to the ER. They injected him bronchodilators, and relaxers bc he was very anxious and fearful making things worse, he is recovering slowly, but he is alive. Things that worked for me during the episode was to turn on the fan, calm him and reassuring him he will be fine, dont walk him at all, I had to carry him to the grass for him to relief, I stayed next to him all day with a very quit relaxing environment, little by little he overcome this bad episode, this was a very bad one, I almost lost him. I also open the shower and let him the hot water run abd stayed inside the bathroom, so breathing the steamed air will comfort hos airways. Good luck to everybody, this disease is terrible for these lovely small babies ��
My Coco is 12 years old and about one month ago she could not breath and was coughing consistently. I took her to the vet and he put her on medication and something to relax her to be given no more than 3 times a day.
She also had pneumonia i watch her struggle and sleep half the day. I look in her eyes and she is not the same dog she is in pain.
I want to put her down put she still has an appetite.
She has lost weight and I can not see he suffer.
I am so lost but I know that is not the quality of life she deserves.
Please pray for me to make the right decision when I take her to the vet this Friday.
13-year-old Yorkie with collapsed trachea has been treated with Opioids for the cough. Helped some but still has choking episodes prompted by stress and excitement. Our Vet administered a 15-minute acupuncture treatment last week that dramatically calmed him for about 4 days. Next of 4 treatments is scheduled in 3 more days with a plan to try an herbal remedy. I will also ask about an aerosol-inhaled steroid to physically reduce inflammation. These treatments have clearly helped and our focus is avoiding barking reactions to passers-by, etc.
We can't justify the $5-$8k surgery at his age, so our plan is to help him up to the point of avoiding a terminal choking incident, i.e. putting him down. Keeping our fingers crossed for the upcoming acupuncture follow-up treatments and herbs, versus steroids.
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