Tracheal Hypoplasia

[Griffith_pound]

Hoping someone can help me out.

A friend had a litter of Aussie Bulldogs (father British) born in December last year. They had 9 healthy pups. A female pup at about 9 weeks had symptoms of pneumonia, and of vet consultations, and referral to a specialist, was diagnosed with Tracheal Hypoplasia. This pups condition quickly worsened over a week or so, and the decision was made to Euthanaise the pup. Last week, a second pup in the litter, now approx 14 weeks or so, has now presented with similar symptoms and has also now been referred to a specialist, where it also does not look good for the pup.

Although not ours, we are currently in care of one of the pups of this litter. (Owner is on holidays, and pup is with us for the week - to return next week). Obviously we are deeply concerned that this pup too, may have this condition. So far the pup appears not to be showing any symptoms. He does snore quite loudly when sleeping (tho.... our staffy probably wins in the snoring competition!) He doesn’t appear to have a cough, or any other symptoms that I can find thru the web.

If anyone has experience with pups this age and this condition, I would like to hear what I should be watching for, what I can do about it, should the pup be tested????

Also does any one know the chances of the rest of the pups in the litter having this condition? I have consulted the breeders, and obviously this pair will not be mated from again!

Edited March 27, 2010 by Dannib

[Griffith_pound]

Sad news... second pup diagnosed was PTS last night

[~Anne~]

How sad. I'd be seriously determinign the genes on this one. While it is naturally occuring in a brachy breed, the likelihood of it occurring is obviously dramatically increased if one or both parents suffer from this or if it features strongly in the lines.

What was the actual deformity? Was it extensively narrow or weak??? Many can have surgery to correct but I guessthese guys must have been too badly affected. To be diagnosed at such a young age with such severity of the condition is quite alarming to be honest.

[Griffith_pound]

From what i can gather (second hand information) in both cases the trachea isnt growing properly. In both cases the trachea was very small, im not sure of exact measurements, but the example that i was given in the second pup it should be something like 10cm long and is only 4cm long. The specialist told us that it is soooo rare for a pup to have it sooo extreme at such a young age, like one in a million. He seems very shocked that a second pup in the litter has the same condition. We are watching the pup in our care like a hawk... i guess im very paranoid, but think its justified to be at the moment! I have been informed that neither parent that was used in this breeding will be bred with again. All owners of pups from the litter have been made aware of what has happened with the 2 pups and are now aware of what to watch out for, We have everything crossed that this pup (and the others from the litter) makes it!