How to treat collapsed trachea in dogs? Dogs should pay attention to maintenance

Jul 26,2025
3Min

Treatment methods for dog tracheal collapse

Tracheal dilators can be used for dog tracheal collapse. In severe cases, surgical reconstruction of the trachea is required. Long-term tracheal collapse can easily cause heart disease, so regular heart examinations should be performed. Owners should learn CPR and keep bottled oxygen handy in case of emergency.
This disease usually occurs in small dogs, such as Poodles, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and Maltese. As long as the weight is properly controlled, a considerable proportion of cases can be well controlled.
Tracheal collapse remains incurable, and long-term treatment focuses on secondary problems. If a dog wants to lose weight, it is necessary to use a chest and back chain instead of a neck chain when walking the dog to avoid hot and humid environments. Give your dog antibiotics to clear up the infection and use them periodically. Dogs with severe coughs need cough suppressants.

How to diagnose tracheal collapse in dogs

There are two ways to diagnose it.
1. Chest X-ray: When shooting, it is divided into two ways: inhalation and exhalation. Inhale: It is easier to diagnose a collapsed trachea in the neck when you inhale. Exhale: It is easier to diagnose a collapsed trachea in the chest when you exhale.
2. Tracheal lavage: Tracheal endoscopy and cytological examination can further understand the cause.

Causes of dog tracheal collapse

A study shows that canine tracheal collapse is due to the lack of chondroitin sulfate in the canine tracheal ring. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenalism) can cause the cartilage structure of the trachea to weaken. There is evidence that more than 50% of tracheal collapses are caused by the gradual weakening of tracheal cartilage and collapse of the trachea.
Some breeds of dogs are prone to tracheal collapse due to abnormal tracheal cartilage structure, and the tracheal lumen is relatively narrow. In addition, dogs that are obese or have chronic respiratory diseases are also prone to tracheal collapse. Tracheal collapse is more likely to occur in small dogs, such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Maltese.
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