Can a collapsed trachea be mistaken for kennel cough?
In its early stages, the condition is sometimes mistaken for kennel cough (and the two conditions are not mutually exclusive). However, kennel cough is self limiting. Its symptoms generally resolve within a week. A collapsed trachea in dogs is a lifelong, progressive syndrome.
What’s the sound of a collapsing trachea in a dog?
The sound of the cough can be quite distinctive and is often described as a goose-honk. Dogs develop other clinical signs that vary with the severity of the collapsing trachea—in other words, how narrow (or even completely closed) the airway becomes.
Is it possible to diagnose tracheal collapse easily?
Unfortunately not all cases can be diagnosed easily and it may be necessary to elicit a cough while obtaining radiographs to demonstrate tracheal collapse. Endoscopy/tracheoscopy is an excellent technique to evaluate the trachea and bronchi and can be used to grade the degree of collapse.
How old does a dog have to be to have a trachea collapse?
Collapsing trachea can manifest at any age, though the average age when clinical signs begin to appear is six to seven years. How Is Tracheal Collapse Diagnosed? A honking cough in a toy-breed dog is highly suggestive of collapsing trachea, but a definitive diagnosis may require additional tests.
In its early stages, the condition is sometimes mistaken for kennel cough (and the two conditions are not mutually exclusive). However, kennel cough is self limiting. Its symptoms generally resolve within a week. A collapsed trachea in dogs is a lifelong, progressive syndrome.
The sound of the cough can be quite distinctive and is often described as a goose-honk. Dogs develop other clinical signs that vary with the severity of the collapsing trachea—in other words, how narrow (or even completely closed) the airway becomes.
Can a collapsed trachea be mistaken for heart failure?
Make sure to pay attention to the signs of congestive heart failure in dogs because this can sometimes be mistaken with a tracheal collapse. Learn about the Common symptoms of a collapsed trachea, which can be aggravated by weight, excitement, heat and exercise. Unfortunately there is no 100% cure for a collapsing trachea.
Collapsing trachea can manifest at any age, though the average age when clinical signs begin to appear is six to seven years. How Is Tracheal Collapse Diagnosed? A honking cough in a toy-breed dog is highly suggestive of collapsing trachea, but a definitive diagnosis may require additional tests.
