Respiratory Tracheal Collapse Flashcards
What is tracheal collapse?
Tracheal collapse is a progressive condition where the tracheal rings lose their rigidity and collapse, leading to airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
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Which age group of dogs is most commonly affected by tracheal collapse?
Middle-age to older small breed dogs are most commonly affected, but dogs with primary or congenital tracheal collapse may present when they are young.
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What are the typical clinical signs of tracheal collapse in dogs?
Typical signs include a chronic ‘honking’ cough, coughing episodes that often end with a retch or gag, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, excessive panting, cyanosis, and syncope.
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How is tracheal collapse diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through clinical signs, physical examination, radiographs, fluoroscopy, and sometimes endoscopy to visualize the tracheal collapse.
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What are the common precipitating factors for coughing in dogs with tracheal collapse?
Coughing in tracheal collapse is often precipitated by pressure on the trachea, excitement or activity, and drinking water.
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Describe the grading system for tracheal collapse.
Tracheal collapse is graded based on the severity of the collapse observed on endoscopy: Grade 1 (25% collapse), Grade 2 (50% collapse), Grade 3 (75% collapse), and Grade 4 (100% collapse).
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What are the treatment options for tracheal collapse in dogs?
Treatment options include weight management, use of harnesses instead of collars, cough suppressants, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgical interventions like tracheal stenting.
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What is the role of bronchodilators in managing tracheal collapse?
Bronchodilators help to open up the airways, reducing respiratory effort and improving airflow in dogs with tracheal collapse.
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Why is weight management important in dogs with tracheal collapse?
Weight management is crucial as obesity can exacerbate respiratory issues and increase the pressure on the trachea, worsening the symptoms of tracheal collapse.
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What surgical options are available for dogs with severe tracheal collapse?
Surgical options include tracheal stenting, which involves placing a stent to keep the trachea open, and external tracheal support devices to stabilize the trachea externally.
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How does using a harness instead of a collar help dogs with tracheal collapse?
Using a harness reduces pressure on the trachea that a collar would exert, thus minimizing the risk of triggering coughing episodes and reducing the progression of tracheal collapse.
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What are potential complications of tracheal stenting?
Potential complications include stent migration, infection, granuloma formation, and continued cough despite the stent placement.
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What breeds are most commonly affected by tracheal collapse?
Small breeds such as Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua, and Pug are most commonly affected.
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What is the most common clinical sign of tracheal collapse?
The most common clinical sign is a chronic “honking” cough that may occur during coughing, breathing, or both.
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Describe the pathophysiology of tracheal collapse.
Tracheal collapse involves the weakening and flattening of the tracheal rings, leading to a narrowing of the tracheal lumen, which causes obstruction and a characteristic honking cough.
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