Tracheal Collapse, Laryngeal paralysis, and BAOS Flashcards
What is a primary cause of tracheal collapse?
Born with weak cartilage rings deficient in glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin, and calcium
What are secondary causes of tracheal collapse?
- Increased pressure on the trachea in association with other chronic resp disease (Ex: Chronic bronchitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)
True or False: Tracheal collapse is more commonly seen in dogs than cats
True
Collapse of the cervical trachea occurs during ______________
Inspiration
Collapse of the thoracic trachea occurs during ______________
Expiration
What respiratory sounds can be heard on inspiration and expiration from a patient with tracheal collapse?
- “Honking” on expiration (most common CS), can have terminal retch
- Loud “rattling” or stridor during inspiration
What breeds are more at risk for tracheal collapse?
Small breeds
- Yorkie, pomeranian, poodle, maltese, chichi, pug
Chronic “honking” sound that is precipitated by excitement/activity or drinking water is a good indicator of which of the following?
A. Asthma
B. Chronic bronchitis
C. Tracheal collapse
D. Spirocerci lupi infection
C. Tracheal collapse
What physical exam findings can be present in a patient with tracheal collapse?
- Cough elicited on tracheal palpation
- “Honking” or rattling
- Stridorous sounds on tracheal auscultation
- Hyperthermic if in resp distress
- Signs of PH if severe
What is the first diagnostic performed following a complete PE in a patient suspect of tracheal collapse?
3 view thoracic and cervical rads on inspiration and expiration
What test is needed to obtain a definitive diagnosis of tracheal collapse?
- Fluoroscopy or tracheoscopy
- Bronchoscopy to rule out other causes
What is the drug treatment protocol for a stable patient with tracheal collapse?
- Short term tapering dose of Prednisone
- Lifelong cough suppressant (Hydrocodone), only to be used as needed for flare ups
- Sedative to be given for stressful events
- Abx if 2ndary infection
- +/- bronchodilator
Other than drugs, what treatments can reduce clinical signs associated with tracheal collapse
- Weight loss!!!
- Avoid hot climates
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- No collar around neck
What is the treatment protocol for a patient with tracheal collapse who is refractory to drug therapy or has severe dyspnea?
- Intraluminal stenting or surgical prostheses only in patients with severe dyspnea or failure to respond to meds
Tx of resp distress: - Sedation
- O2
- Dexamethasone
- Cooling if hyperthermic
List the main functions of the larynx
- Regulates airflow
- Protects trachea from aspiration during swallowing
- Controls phonation (voice)
List the common etiologies associated with acquired laryngeal paralysis
- Polyneuropathy
- Polymyopathy
- Trauma
- Mass (neoplasia, granuloma)
List the breeds associated with early onset laryngeal paralysis-polyneuropathy
- Rottie
- Dalmations
- Pyrenese mountain dogs
- Leonberger dogs
List the breeds associated with geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis-polyneuropathy
Lab retrievers
List the breeds associated with congenital laryngeal paralysis
- Bouviers des flanders
- Bull terriers
- Huskies
- White coated GSD
True or False: Laryngeal paralysis is usually more common in older small breed dogs
False - older LARGE BREED dogs
What can be found on physical exam from a dog with laryngeal paralysis?
- Stridor on inspiration, localized to the larynx or extrathoracic trachea, heard during activity or panting
- Can be hyperthermic if in resp distress
- Voice change, coughing or gagging
What abnormal respiratory sound is commonly heard in patients with laryngeal paralysis?
Stridor - high pitched, continuous URT sound
What is a common complication of laryngeal paralysis?
A. Hypothermia
B. Aspiration pneumonia
C. Stricture formation
D. Tracheal collapse
B. Aspiration pneumonia
What drug is given to stimulate respiration during a sedated laryngeal exam?
Doxapram
(Helps reduce drug related lack of motility)
