What is tracheal collapse?
Tracheal collapse is a common cause of airway obstruction in dogs. The trachea, or “windpipe,” is a tube made up of sturdy rings of cartilage through which air is transported to and from the lungs. Sometimes, however, the tracheal rings begin to collapse, and as air is squeezed through, a characteristic honking cough results. Why tracheal collapse occurs is unknown, although a congenital abnormality, in which the cartilage of the tracheal rings is less cellular and therefore weaker than normal, is suspected. What are the signs of tracheal collapse? In addition to a honking cough, other signs that may be seen include exercise intolerance, laboured breathing and a bluish tinge to the gums. The cough and other signs may be provoked by excitement, eating, drinking, tracheal irritants (smoke or dust), obesity, exercise and hot and humid weather. What breeds/ages are prone to tracheal collapse? The condition, which is genetic, primarily affects toy breeds of both sexes, with Yorkies by far t
