Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Breeds documented
18
Published sources
7

Overview

When the cartilage supporting the windpipe becomes weak, the airway can flatten and narrow. Tracheal collapse causes a recurring cough and may gradually make breathing harder. It can affect different parts of the windpipe and sometimes extend into the airways leading to the lungs. Medical care often improves comfort, although the disease has no cure and can become a breathing emergency.

Signs to watch for

  • A repeated dry cough with a honking sound
  • A wheezing sound when breathing in
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Gums or tongue that look blue
  • Fainting

Most often recognized in middle-aged or older dogs.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog struggles to breathe.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets begin with an examination and may use blood tests to assess general health. Ordinary X-rays can help, but they may miss collapse that happens only during part of a breath. Moving X-rays, called fluoroscopy, show the airway during breathing. A camera examination under anesthesia, called bronchoscopy, can show the airway directly and allow sampling for infection.

Breeds with documented risk

18 breeds

By breed size
  • 11 Toy
  • 5 Small
  • 2 Medium

Most popular breeds on this list

All 18 breeds, A to Z

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Tracheal collapse: vet.cornell.edu
  2. Chipoo: petmd.com
  3. Chorkie: petmd.com
  4. Dorkie: petmd.com
  5. Morkie: petmd.com
  6. Pomchi: petmd.com
  7. Shorkie: petmd.com