Yorkshire Terrier Collapsed Trachea

What is Collapsed Trachea?

Collapsed trachea (tracheal collapse) in canines is a condition that affects a dog’s trachea (windpipe). The trachea connects the throat to the lungs. It is surrounded by tracheal rings which are made of cartilage and are held together by membrane tissue. Together, the rings and membrane serve as the supporting structure of a dog’s windpipe, keeping it open for proper air flow.

Collapsed trachea is characterized by the loss of rigidity and resulting sagging of membrane and/or weakening and resulting collapse of one or more tracheal rings. There are varying degrees and cases can be painful and progressive and ultimately can lead to moderately to severely affecting a Yorkshire Terrier’s ability to breathe.

Occurrence Rate with Yorkshire Terriers

Collapsed trachea is a condition that mainly affects toy -sized dog breeds including the Yorkshire Terrier. Other small breeds that are prone to this condition include the Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Lhasa Apso and Toy Poodle.

Age of Onset

It is most often diagnosed in middle-aged toy dogs (age 5 to 7 years old).

Causes

In some cases, tracheal collapse can be acquired and is linked to chronic respiratory disease, Cushing’s disease, or heart disease. However, the vast majority of cases with Yorkshire Terriers are thought to be genetic, with the condition developing over time, due to tracheal rings predisposed to weakening.

Minor cases can be exacerbated by wearing a collar while on leash due to increased pressure placed the windpipe; however, even with prevention tips, collapsed trachea may still develop.

Symptoms

A honking-type cough. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘goose honk’ and is the #1 sign. During a coughing episode, a dog may take a stance of extending their neck and spreading their elbows apart as if trying to expel something up. Generally, coughing progressively worsens over time.
Noisy breathing (gasping, rattling, or wheezing noises)
Gagging while eating
Breathing difficulties (trouble catching their breath, exercise intolerance, etc.)
Symptoms may be more apparent during or after exercise, when excited, or when breathing in cold air or hot, humid air
Advanced cases may involve cyanosis (low oxygen levels in the blood may cause gums to turn blue) and/or fainting

How This is Diagnosed

Experienced veterinarians will immediately suspect collapsed trachea by the particular honking-type cough a Yorkshire Terrier displays. X-rays or fluoroscopy (an advanced imaging technique) are used to confirm. In some cases, there may be no evidence of tracheal collapse yet a dog may still be treated for it if they present with the symptoms.

There are 4 grades (levels) of severity:

Yorkshire Terrier collapsed trachea grades 1 thru 4

Grade 1: The tracheal membrane is hangs slightly, cartilage is still its normal shape, the tracheal opening is reduced approximately 25%.

Grade 2: The tracheal membrane is hanging, cartilage is partially flattened, the tracheal opening is reduced approximately 50%.

Grade 3: The tracheal membrane is almost in contact with the opposite side of the windpipe (dorsal trachea), cartilage is nearly flat, the tracheal opening is reduced approximately 75%.

Grade 4: The tracheal membrane is completely touching the opposite side of the windpipe (dorsal trachea), cartilage is flattened and may invert, the tracheal opening is essentially non-functioning.

Treatment, Non-Surgical

Current studies have shown that approximately 70% of dogs respond well to non-surgical treatment. Since surgery (details coming up) is quite drastic, all of these options should be considered. Note that in most cases, it is a combination of several, and sometimes all, non-surgical treatments that will help alleviate symptoms. Rarely will just one result in improvement.

Non-surgery treatment for Yorkshire Terriers with collapsed trachea includes:

Immediate discontinuation of a collar. A collar should never be worn again; a harness will be used when on leash (this is also recommended to help prevent this issue).
Limit exposure to cold air. Outdoor activity should be limited on cold days below 32 F (0 C).
Limit over-excitement. Steps are taken to keep a dog calm. Introductions, activities, are more are done in a gradual, controlled manner.
Avoidance of exercise during heat/humidity. Outdoor activity should be limited on hot, humid days, 80 F (27 C) or higher.
Weight loss, if applicable. Though excess weight is typically not a problem with the Yorkshire Terrier, if the dog is carrying excess weight, they will be put on a diet. Even a couple of extra pounds can make a big difference.

Treatment, Medication

Cough suppressants. Cough medications such as hydrocodone or dextromethorphan may be given.
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such Rimadylor Etogesic can help with pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be given to help reduce pain and inflammation. Due to the risk of both short and long-term side effects, dogs must be carefully monitored.
Antibiotics. This is given as needed for possible secondary lower respiratory tract infections.

Treatment, Surgical

If non-surgical treatment does not produce any relief and if a dog is having severe breathing difficulties and/or is in a lot of discomfort, surgery may be recommended. This involves using a mesh-type sleeve to reinforce the trachea, along with prosthetic polypropylene rings to form a tube that will properly support the windpipe.

The success rate of this surgery is 75% or higher, though it is very extensive and there are risks including bleeding, paralysis of the larynx (voice box), and/or severe internal swelling that can lead to death. This surgery is most often successful with dogs under the age of 6.