Canine Collapsing Trachea

Question 1

Describe the typical signalment for collapsing trachea:

Answer 1

Small breed, overweight, obese patients

Question 2

Describe the pathophysiology of canine collapsing trachea?

Answer 2

weak/redundant dorsal tracheal membrane or cartilagenous rings that become hypoplastic/fibrodystrophic

Question 3

How can a diagnosis of canine collapsing trachea be made?

Answer 3

Palpation of the trachea –> severe coughing spasms

***other diagnostic techniques could include radographs, fluroscopy + endoscopy

Question 4

What is the recommended medical management for canine collapsing trachea?

Answer 4

1. Weight loss
2. Anxiolytics
3. Bronchodilators

Question 5

What are the surgical options for canine collapsing trachea?

Answer 5

1. Dorsal tracheal membrane plication
2. Intratracheal stenting
3. External support - less reliable method