Question:
Does anyone have any experience with a pup's collapsing trachea? I believe Audrie might have it. She's had this "goose honk" cough since I got her. I thought it was kennel cough at first, but the antibiotics didn't help. She does it at least once a day, especially when she's excited or if the harness pulls on her neck. I stopped using collars so it wasn't putting pressure there, but the harness seems to do the same thing.

I've read that there are surgeries that you can get to open the windpipe so they get enough air. I also read that the condition worsens as she gets older. Does anyone have any advice of what I should do? I'm sure she was born with it, and I don't want it to endanger her in any way.

Help!

PS. I just made a vet appt. for tonight, so hopefully they can give me some more information too

Answer:
my mom's chi has it she is 10yrs I think, comes and goes(the cough) she wears a harness, my parents adopted her after her owners abused her and she was taken from them by the SPCA. Sorry I cannot offer any other advice or suggestions, except do alot of research first

Answer:
Hi
My little rescue dog Mikey has it also. I think whomever owned him before must have choked him a lot. Mikeys acts up when he is excited or he pulls on his harness and also when he drinks water. He is a aprox. 4-5 yr poodle schnauser and whatever cross. The vet just keeps an eye on it. I did a watch (on TV) a vet hospital that performed surgery on a collapsed trachea. You need to have your vet asses the amount of collapse - but surgery is possible. It looked like they put a small expanding tube into the collapsed area.

Good luck.

Answer:
I've never heard of it being an induced condition by pulling a leash or choking. I believe it's an "abnormality in the chemical makeup of their tracheal rings. The rings loose their stiffness so they are not able to retain their circular shape. We also know that it occurs in certain breeds of dogs, notably Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. Because of that, it is suspected that there is a genetic factor involved."

I guess the vet will tell me whether or not she will need surgery. I hope not!

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yes my parents chi was brought on by pulling on the leash and choking:( very cruel owners for a very little dog

Answer:
Originally Posted by LibbyP
yes my parents chi was brought on by pulling on the leash and choking:( very cruel owners for a very little dog

That's horribile. Did they know they were hurting her?

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All I will say is yes

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Okay so I just got back from the vet. She said that it is most likely a collapsing trachea, but that in most cases the condition doesn't worsen. It's just something she said Audrie will have to live with, and is very common in toy breeds.

I guess I'll just keep an eye on it and make sure she's still enjoying a good quality of life. I should hope she is at 7 months!!!

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Glad to hear she is okay, make sure she wears a harness when out and about

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hi my little nicky, min pin rescue with one eye, light of my life is about 10, she has this too, just try and not get her too exicted,i have to slow nick down and do a time out she gets very---- exicted, hope this helps brenda.

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Oh my - I have a boston terr that is almost 3, and before her a boston that was 15, and they both do it. I thought they might be "hyper venilating" so to say, as it always happens when they get excited. I cup my hand over their nose for a few seconds, and it stops. Interesting---I am going to talk to my vet about this.

Answer:
Our Bichon had this and lived to 15 years of age. It was not brought on with abuse, simply something he was born with. I also have 2 chihuahuas that have this as well. They do not do it often, but it does happen. Its very very common in small breeds and the dogs were most likely born with it. You will learn to deal with it and just keep them calm when it happens.

Answer:
Originally Posted by debbiew
Oh my - I have a boston terr that is almost 3, and before her a boston that was 15, and they both do it. I thought they might be "hyper venilating" so to say, as it always happens when they get excited. I cup my hand over their nose for a few seconds, and it stops. Interesting---I am going to talk to my vet about this.

Its funny you mention that. My vet suggested blocky their nostrils when they have an episode to make them open their mouth. I have tried it and it actually words, especially with my smallest chihuahua.

Answer:
Ohh! I'm glad to hear it's so common! That probably sounds bad "oh I'm glad your dog has trouble breathing too!" Anyway, she does the goose honk when 1) I try to put her harness on and she's wiggling around like a squirrel on crack, and 2) When she and the kitty are having an intense battle. It happens at least once a day. I am just hoping that it doesn't get worse or require surgery. Has anyone ever done the surgery or had a serious problem with a collapsing trachea?

Answer:
My Gizmo does it pretty much daily and surgery has never been recommended. Our Bichon that we had growing up did it everytime he drank water too quickly, and he also never had surgery recommended. If you are having some concerns, speak to your vet. I just keep my little ones calm, and so far no issues and Gizmo is over 2 years of age.

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My first Boston lived to be 15 and never had surgery. He also would do it on a daily basis.

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