Signs of Tracheal Collapse in a Silky Terrier

Website design By BotEap.comAustralian Silky Terriers are more commonly known as the Silky Terrier, and are known as a healthy breed of dog. Despite being a healthy breed, a Silky Terrier has also been known to be subject to certain types of genetic disorders, such as tracheal collapse. Most of the time, toy breeds are the most likely to develop a collapsed trachea, although it does occasionally happen in larger breeds. Tracheal collapse can be severe and requires veterinary attention. In some cases, a lifestyle change and medication may be enough to alleviate or even correct the condition, while in other severe cases, the dog may require a surgical procedure due to the condition.

Website design By BotEap.comThe trachea is known by the medical term “windpipe” and is a muscular organ in the throat that carries ambient air to and from the lungs. The windpipe must be open at all times, as air that cannot be moved from the lungs can cause suffocation and death. Air moves through the trachea by means of a hard C-shaped cartilage and in several breeds of miniature dogs the cartilage becomes weak and does not allow the trachea to stay open effectively. The cause of a collapse is idiopathic and is believed to be a combination of many factors. One theory suggests that the chemical composition of cartilage is abnormal and unable to support an open trachea. When the cartilage weakens, the windpipe collapses and air cannot freely move in and out of the dog’s body.

Website design By BotEap.comTracheal collapse causes the dog to experience coughing fits and airway obstruction. Signs of collapse usually appear when the dog is 6 years or older. Dogs that develop tracheal collapse will often have a persistent dry cough that may sound like a goose “quaking” or a seal “barking,” they may also show signs of difficulty breathing, retching, and the gums may be cyanotic ( blue) . The dog may not be able to exercise or be active for long periods of time; physical exertion causes fatigue and sluggishness. When tracheal collapse occurs, trapped mucus and secretions are released, and sometimes the secretions can also lead to further airway obstruction.

Website design By BotEap.comTo treat a collapse, a vet will typically first use steroids, bronchodilators, and cough suppressants along with antibiotics. Obesity in the dog can also aggravate tracheal collapse, and often simply putting the dog on a diet will help alleviate the condition. If none of the traditional treatment methods work for a collapse, a veterinarian may consider performing tracheal reconstruction surgery; The outcome of the surgery will depend on the age and general health of the dog. Other than obesity, there are also other conditions that can lead to tracheal collapse, including chronic bronchitis, congestive heart failure, long palate, pneumonia, allergies, and repeated exposure to airborne irritants such as dust, pollen and smoke. Often treating the environment or underlying health conditions will help improve the symptoms of canine tracheal collapse. While there is no long-term cure for the condition, with proper veterinary care and intervention, the dog can still have a good quality of life.