The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: devonlady on September 22, 2015, 11:39:43 am
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Does anyone have any experience of this condition? I have a tiny, 14 year old Yorkie diagnosed with this. He is a stalwart little man and you wouldn't know if he were suffering or not. (I suffer, listening to his endless coughing and desperate to do something for him)
If anyone can give me any tips as how to help us both cope with this we would be very grateful!
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http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/05/21/tracheal-collapse-dog-treatment.aspx (http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/05/21/tracheal-collapse-dog-treatment.aspx)
No advice, but hope the little chap gets better :hug:
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No advice either just good wishes for you both.
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Source - http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2096&aid=410 (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2096&aid=410)
Collapsed trachea - What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of this syndrome depend on the severity of the deterioration. Usually, the dog will have difficulty breathing, especially during exercise. The deeper the pet tries to inhale, the more the trachea collapses, further restricting air flow (similar to sucking on a straw too hard). The pet appears to tire easily as it becomes short of breath. Dogs with a collapsing trachea will generally cough as if trying to clear the airways, and occasionally this cough will sound like a goose honk. In very severe cases, the tongue and gums will appear blue as breathing becomes restricted.
What are the risks?
Most dogs suffering with the collapsed trachea syndrome live normal - but restricted - lives. Activity is generally limited because the ability to breathe deeply when exercising is hindered. Left untreated, the restricted air flow can put undue stress on the heart and lungs as they try to compensate for the inability to breathe properly. Obese dogs are at greater risk than others.
What is the management?
Examination with the fingers and radiographs (x-rays) will generally confirm the diagnosis. Depending upon the severity of the condition, medications will help. Veterinarians usually prescribe drugs to help dilate the airways. The coughing is controlled by cough suppressants such as Torbutrol. If the pet is obese, we suggest a stricter diet. Finally, activity should be restricted and not encouraged. Dogs with collapsing tracheas should wear harnesses instead of collars in order to take any pressure off of the trachea. With the help of medication and modification of lifestyle, the collapsing trachea can be controlled but seldom cured. In severe cases, surgery to help open the airways may be beneficial, but most cases are managed medically not surgically.
Hopr this helps :fc: .
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I have a 13 yr old Lab that the vet said had this as he was coughing a lot. He had always had a halti and I loosened his coller to help. I tried pre soaking his dry food so that his throat wouldn't be irritated and it helped a bit but he still coughed, especially after laying down for periods.
We moved 10 months ago and now no coughing, strange..... The difference in our new house is more hard flooring, less carpet, they dogs don't sleep in the same room as the parrot and he can spend more time outside because of our working arrangements. The previous house, we were pretty much constantly in one room. I am starting to think it was more dust that aggravated it, I mention just incase this is of any help to you.
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Sorry no advice, but hope he's ok. What was your vet's opinion? Did he think he would be in pain?
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Thank you all. Cosmore, thank you for all that information and Caroline for yours. Hadleigh (aka The Hairy Mouse) was left to me when a friend died five years ago, not a breed I would have chosen but, of course, has endeared himself as dogs will and I find the prospect of being without his tiny head under my arm whilst driving sad in the extreme.
He has never had a collar on in his life as far as I know and nowadays his idea of a good walk is to come with me to close the gate and then to stay in the cab of the Landrover for the rest of the day, eating a bit of my pasty or sandwich and sleeping though he is certainly not over weight.
He is going back to the vet tomorrow so will see what she says.
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What did the vet say? Sounds like a great life for the little chap.