
Collapsed Trachea
My 5 year old Toy Yorkshire Terrier was diagnosed with a collapsed trachea a year ago. Since then, he has been put on Prednisone every other day and a broncho-dilator called aminophillin 1/4 pill 3 times a day. He doesn't seem to be responding to the medication as well as before and I fear his breathing will get worse. I wanted to know if there were any alternate treatments or medications aside of surgery. Our vet was concerned that he may not even make it out of anesthesia, let alone have a successful prosthesis implantation. I would appreciate it if you could help me out with any information you might have.
Collapsing trachea is a condition where the cartilaginous rings that support the windpipe are weak, and allow the tube to close. Such closing makes it difficult for the little dog to breath, and can even cause suffocation. Healthy diet, including supplementing with shark cartilage and calcium may help the strength of the trachea slightly. Medications will help compensate for the problem, without directly correcting it. Prednisone reduces the inflammation in the neck, which could contribute to the collapse. Aminophylline enlarges all the airways of the lungs. This is a tremendous benefit. Many other bronchodilators are available, and may be an option if the aminophylline doesn't seem to be working well. Surgery is ultimately the cure. Discuss the risks and benefits with your veterinarian before surgery
Return to Petsdoc.com home page Return to Ask the Vet Index page
Back to Question List Petsdoc Main Page * Mobile Vet * Useful Information * Fun Pages * Links * Contact Us * Search Copyright © 2000-2008 petsdoc.com. All rights reserved.

Collapsed Trachea

My 5 year old Toy Yorkshire Terrier was diagnosed with a collapsed trachea a year ago. Since then, he has been put on Prednisone every other day and a broncho-dilator called aminophillin 1/4 pill 3 times a day. He doesn't seem to be responding to the medication as well as before and I fear his breathing will get worse. I wanted to know if there were any alternate treatments or medications aside of surgery. Our vet was concerned that he may not even make it out of anesthesia, let alone have a successful prosthesis implantation. I would appreciate it if you could help me out with any information you might have.

Collapsing trachea is a condition where the cartilaginous rings that support the windpipe are weak, and allow the tube to close. Such closing makes it difficult for the little dog to breath, and can even cause suffocation. Healthy diet, including supplementing with shark cartilage and calcium may help the strength of the trachea slightly. Medications will help compensate for the problem, without directly correcting it. Prednisone reduces the inflammation in the neck, which could contribute to the collapse. Aminophylline enlarges all the airways of the lungs. This is a tremendous benefit. Many other bronchodilators are available, and may be an option if the aminophylline doesn't seem to be working well. Surgery is ultimately the cure. Discuss the risks and benefits with your veterinarian before surgery

Return to Petsdoc.com home page

Return to Ask the Vet Index page

Back to Question List

Petsdoc Main Page * Mobile Vet * Useful Information * Fun Pages * Links * Contact Us * Search