Collapsing Trachea In Dogs: Everything You Need To Know - PetMD

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  • Antibiotics: Dogs with tracheal collapse are at a higher-than-average risk for respiratory infections. Veterinarians will often prescribe a course of antibiotics when an infection is diagnosed or suspected. 

It’s important to remember medical management is typically needed for the life of the dog, even if surgery is performed.  

Furthermore, a surprisingly high number of dogs with tracheal collapse also suffer from other conditions, such as: 

  • Obesity 

  • Heart disease 

  • Liver enlargement 

  • Dental problems 

  • An elongated soft palate 

  • Laryngeal paralysis 

All of these may make a dog’s symptoms worse and need to be adequately treated to maximize your pup’s quality of life. 

Surgery 

If medical management cannot adequately control a dog’s symptoms, you can consider surgical options.  

A veterinary surgeon may recommend placing rings on the outside of a dog’s trachea or a stent inside the trachea, both of which serve to prevent collapse. Which type of surgery is best for a dog depends on the specifics of your dog’s case.  

Both can be successful, although surgical complications are relatively common, so surgical correction of collapsing trachea is usually reserved for severe cases.  

Unfortunately, there is no way to cure a dog’s collapsing trachea and despite intervention, the tracheal cartilage can continue to deteriorate.  

Therefore, it’s important to continue with the treatments recommended by your veterinarian and to closely monitor your dog’s condition.  

If at any time you notice your dog’s cough or other symptoms getting worse, call your veterinarian for advice. 

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