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Tracheal Collapse


Freshstart16
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Hi all,

Does anyone have any knowledge about tracheal collapse? Or experience with it? Our chi x, Leroy has been diagnosed with this and the vet estimates he has approx 6 months left :(

He is 11 years old and he has always made a lot of noise when excited or stressed which we have always put down to the elongated pallet he has, yesterday morning he was having trouble breathing so we rushed him to the vet and this is the outcome.

He is now on cortisone and bisolven tablets to make things easier for him, the vet said we would know when it was time.

He also said they could put a stint? In but that won't help the lungs any. Leroy is my partners dog and she has had him from a pup and he has been a part of my life for over 5 years, we are devestated. I cannot imagine life without him.

So basically anyone had this in there pet before?

Don't really know what else to say except @&)@@; argghh this really sux!!!

Thanks

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One of our little Chi crosses had a collapsing trachea. He would honk and cough when overexcited and it did get worse as he got older but it was never serious enough to require surgey etc so I don't have any experience with that. So sorry to hear it's so bad, did the vet seem to think the stint was worth looking into?

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Thanks guys, Aussie he said that he could put one in but it wouldn't help his lungs? He also said he couldn't hear the valves opening and closing? It was all very much a panic yesterday but he basically said there isn't anything we can do and it's come down the quality not quantity and we should prepare for what's coming.

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From my research the stenting surgeries are complex and have a pretty high complication rate - my parents mini schnauzer has a collapsing trachea and we're just managing it medically unfortunately.

Re not being able to hear the valves, I'd think the vet was trying to listen to his heart and hear for murmurs etc - but the coughing and honking probably meant they weren't able to hear it. Harsh breathing is enough to drown out the sound of the heart.

Sorry to hear of the diagnosis - that sucks.

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Thanks for your kind words guy, means alot. I dont think the vet wants to do surgery due to his age, but he is only 11. I dont know, it just sux. everything is happening at once, he was diagnosed with arthritis last week, then my car broke down, my dad came to fix then when he went to get parts his car dropped out all its oil so he was pissed, later that night our air con broke down. So we were already annoyed,tired and frustrated.

Next morning Leroy wasn't himself and he went outside to wee and whatever and he was only taking a few steps and then laying down and started to really struggle to breath, then next minute hes ok, then it happens again, so we just rushed off too the vet and here we are. It has been an absolute rotten week, because of this week the house work is piling up and all I want to do it go and lay down and sleep.

I might go do that, and the dogs can sleep with me :) Leroy gives excellent cuddles, I feel worse for my partner she has had Leroy his whole life and she has to go to work this evening :(

Heres a picture of our baby. This pic is few years old he's sleeping in his mums arms while shes on the computer.

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Heres a picture of our baby. This pic is few years old he's sleeping in his mums arms while shes on the computer.

Aww she's gorgeous.

Ignore the housework, it will be waiting when you're feeling stronger.

Good luck with everything, hope you weekend is better than your week's been.

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From my research the stenting surgeries are complex and have a pretty high complication rate - my parents mini schnauzer has a collapsing trachea and we're just managing it medically unfortunately.

Re not being able to hear the valves, I'd think the vet was trying to listen to his heart and hear for murmurs etc - but the coughing and honking probably meant they weren't able to hear it. Harsh breathing is enough to drown out the sound of the heart.

Sorry to hear of the diagnosis - that sucks.

Sorry to hear of your parents dog, was going to say that earlier but i got all caught up in what i was writing, how long has your parents dog had there condition? what sort of treatment is the dog receiving if you dont mind me asking?

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Heres a picture of our baby. This pic is few years old he's sleeping in his mums arms while shes on the computer.

Aww she's gorgeous.

Ignore the housework, it will be waiting when you're feeling stronger.

Good luck with everything, hope you weekend is better than your week's been.

Thanks. Have done a bit before my partner gets home. bit by bit ill get it done. Thanks for the kind words.

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I have just read a little of this thread & am sorry to hear of yourr heart ache regarding your parents little dog.

I rescued a beautful red male BC & had him almost 15 years. When he was almost 14 I nearly lost him to heat stroke. He was such a stoic boy, showed no previous signs but his larric's had collasaped :(

My vet said I could either have pts or hed opp. on him & do an opp. very similar to a de bark opp., which we did. I knew we wouldn't have him forever but at least the last 8 months of his life he was able to breath easy, with his dignity restored, he was so loved & is very dearly missed.

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I know a kelpie who had surgery for it at 11 and is now 14 and still doing well. O says if she knew the difference would have had surgery much earlier. I'd consider asking a specialist about surgery especially if he has no other health issues.

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I know a kelpie who had surgery for it at 11 and is now 14 and still doing well. O says if she knew the difference would have had surgery much earlier. I'd consider asking a specialist about surgery especially if he has no other health issues.

So sorry to hear about the TC. What a cutie he is, love the photo.

Could you get a second vet opinion? Also, do you use a collar on him? I have a Yorkie, and have read that Yorkies are prone to TC, as well. Harness in lieu of collar is recommended, I believe.

Hope all will turn out ok for you.

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Thanks for the advice, we are thinking about getting a second opinion as well just to make sure, the collar isn't an issue he hasn't ever worn one, only harness' so that's ok.

I would like x rays done also apparently they are good at a showing exactly what's going on.

Thanks again everyone

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She has multiple problems but mainly we're managing hers with harness (no collars) and weight loss. Her other problems don't really make medication viable for her unfortunately, but luckily it's not as bad as it could be - only when she gets over excited or stressed.

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I know someone with a Gr Ch stud who had tracheal collapse at around 11 yrs (Labrador). She brought his weight way down to the point where you could count his ribs. He had his collapse in 2009 and is still living.

Edited by sandgrubber
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Is the cause of collapse congenital or acquired? I'm guessing perhaps congenital given the breed?

The issue with tracheal collapse is that the collapsing of the walls place more stress on breathing which places more stress on the tracheal walls which places more stress on breathing. It's a dangerous cycle.

Stents work by supporting the walls but as you've been told, there are apparently a lot of complications that can occur. A rescue pug that I fostered many years ago for another rescue suffered a full collapse immediately after surgery to correct an elongated palate. A temporary tracheal tube was inserted to assist with breathing while the trachea walls regained some strength with medication. I understand this little girl is still going ok and it has been several years now.

I'd be considering a second opinion and I would aim for a specialist this time. It will be costly if they proceed with surgery and the care afterwards is very intensive. You'll possibly be required to clear the tracheal tube regularly ensure it doesn't block (assuming one is inserted which I would imagine it might be).

Edited by ~Anne~
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