Pet Health: Collapsing Trachea in Dogs

By Andrea Looney and D.V.M.
Published on December 1, 1993
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ILLUSTRATION: RICK KIRKMAN
A honking cough could be a sign of collapsing trachea.

Dear Andrea:

Our small dog has bad coughing spells, and sometimes we massage his throat to work him out of it. Is a weak muscle causing the problem?

H.M. Heath
Aztec, NM

Dear H. M.,

Many toy and miniature dog breeds suffer from a congenital disease known as collapsing trachea. Although they may be born with it, symptoms of collapsing trachea in dogs often don’t manifest until they are three to five years of age. Most of the dogs affected have dome-shaped heads and short necks. Historically most owners fail to notice any respiratory problems until the animals become excited, exercise, bark, or pull on the leash. Some incidents may be so severe that they cause the animals to arrest or faint.

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