Tracheobronchial Collapse and Bronchomalacia in Dogs

Breeds documented
9
Published sources
4

Overview

When the supporting tissues of the windpipe or branching airways weaken, the breathing passages can flatten and narrow. Collapse of the windpipe is called tracheal collapse, while weakness and collapse of the lower branching airways is called bronchomalacia. These changes can cause ongoing coughing and difficulty moving air. Other airway or heart problems may make the signs worse.

Signs to watch for

  • A persistent, dry cough that may sound like a honk
  • Wheezing or noisy breathing
  • Breathing that looks labored
  • Coughing that worsens with excitement or activity
  • Blue gums or tongue during severe episodes
  • Fainting

These airway problems commonly become apparent in middle-aged or older dogs.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog has severe breathing difficulty.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet may use chest X-rays, moving X-ray images called fluoroscopy, or an airway camera examination called bronchoscopy. Moving images help show airway narrowing as breathing changes. Bronchoscopy allows direct inspection of the airways and can provide samples to check for infection.

Breeds with documented risk

9 breeds

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

Most popular breeds on this list

All 9 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. europepmc.org
  2. vet.cornell.edu
  3. merckvetmanual.com
  4. onlinelibrary.wiley.com