Disorders of the Airway
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is generated by weak cartilage rings that flatten during breathing. This incident then causes the animal to have a “honking” type cough. Subsequent inflammation 
and production of mucus increases thefrequency and severity of the cough. Other clinical signs can include retching and in severe cases respiratory distress, progressing to a loss of consciousness. Exercise, obesity, heat, humidity, and secondary respiratory infections can cause an onset of clinical signs. Normally, signs occur from middle age onward. It is believed there is a hereditary factor that predisposes many toy breeds to this dysfunction.
Collapsing trachea is diagnosed by a history of clinical signs and radiographs. A bronchoscopy can be used to rule out collapse caused by a foreign body and to grade the severity of collapse.
Clearing up secondary infections with antibiotics can sometimes resolve clinical signs. Treatment of a tracheal collapse may include cough suppressants and short-term steroids to decrease production of mucus. In addition, weight loss and the use of a harness for leash control can prevent and/or decrease clinical signs. There is varying success with surgical correction of a tracheal collapse. Each case has to be evaluated individually to determine if surgery will be beneficial.
