Tracheal Collapse in Dogs: Signs, Causes and What Vets Do

Tracheal collapse in dogs is a progressive condition where the rings of cartilage that hold the windpipe open weaken and flatten, so the airway narrows. Blue Cross says it is most common in small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, and Cornell University’s Riney Canine Health Center adds that it usually affects middle-aged or older dogs. A persistent honking cough deserves a vet appointment.

At a glance

• What it is: weakening of the windpipe’s supporting cartilage rings, narrowing the airway.
• Who it affects: mostly toy and small breeds, usually middle-aged or older.
• Urgency: soon for a new, persistent cough. Emergency if your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue gums or tongue, or faints.
• Vet needed? Yes. Only a vet can diagnose it and decide on management.

Signs to look for

The Blue Cross describes a dry, honking cough that comes in bouts, often triggered by excitement, anxiety, exercise and hot weather. Cornell calls it a persistent, harsh, dry “goose-honking” cough. Signs can progress to wheezing when breathing in. In severe cases there is difficulty breathing, blue gums or tongue, or fainting. Davies Veterinary Specialists also lists noisy breathing. Not every cough is the windpipe, so see our guide on why dogs cough.

Causes and risk factors

Cornell names Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles as examples, and Davies says toy breeds, especially Yorkshire Terriers, are most often affected. The exact cause is unclear and several factors probably contribute; Davies lists genetic, nutritional and allergic triggers.

Cornell says coughing can be set off or made worse by stress, excitement, exercise, heat and humidity, inhaled irritants such as smoke, and pressure on the neck. Obesity, heart disease and other airway diseases can worsen signs, and long-term coughing can inflame the airway and make lung infections more likely. See our pages on obesity, heart disease and BOAS.

When to call your vet

Speak to your vet if your dog has a cough that keeps going, especially a honking one. Cornell says breathing difficulty, blue gums or tongue, or fainting is a respiratory emergency needing veterinary care immediately. The PDSA adds noisy or fast breathing, white, blue or grey gums, and stretching out to breathe to its list of breathing emergency signs. While you get there, the PDSA says to keep your dog calm and cool, because stress can worsen breathing. If you need a practice, try our vets guide.

How vets diagnose it

Cornell says vets start with a physical exam and blood tests. Chest X-rays may miss a collapse because the windpipe can collapse when breathing in or out. Fluoroscopy (moving X-rays) shows where and how severe it is, and bronchoscopy, using a tiny camera under general anaesthetic, lets the vet see the airway moving and collect fluid to check for infection. Davies calls endoscopy under anaesthetic the most accurate method and says severity is graded from I (nearly normal) to IV (most severe).

What vets generally do about it

Treatment is decided by your vet. Cornell says there is no cure, but many dogs respond well to medical management, which may include cough suppressants, sedatives or anti-anxiety medicines, steroids, airway-opening medicines and antibiotics if there is an infection. Davies agrees that initial management is usually conservative.

The Blue Cross says medication may be offered to manage the cough and surgery may be needed in severe cases. Cornell says surgery may be considered if medicine does not work or in a breathing emergency, while Davies says it may be considered for grade III or IV collapse with moderate to severe breathing difficulty or signs that don’t respond to treatment. Davies notes experts disagree on the role of surgery, that it is technically demanding, usually done at specialist centres and carries significant risk, and that not all dogs benefit.

Living with it and prevention

Once your vet has advised, Cornell suggests switching from a neck collar to a harness (the PDSA also says a harness instead of a collar can help with coughing caused by pulling on the lead), avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants, and avoiding hot, humid places. Davies puts weight management among the first steps. Cornell says most dogs show progressive signs over their lives, though mild disease often responds well to medication. No source we read says it can be prevented. Long-term medicines add up, so see our pet insurance guide. Back to the dog illnesses A-Z.

Related conditions

• BOAS (breathing problems in flat-faced dogs)
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Kennel cough
• Heatstroke

Specialist help

Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire is a UK referral practice with a soft tissue surgery team and a tracheal collapse fact sheet. Whether referral is right for your dog is a question for your own vet, so speak to your vet first.

Sources

• Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center: Tracheal collapse
• Davies Veterinary Specialists: Tracheal collapse fact sheet
• PDSA: First aid for pets struggling to breathe
• PDSA: Coughing in dogs
• Blue Cross: Why do dogs cough?

This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.