What is tracheal collapse?
Tracheal collapse is a chronic progressive condition in which the cartilage rings of the trachea flatten and weaken, causing partial airway closure during breathing. The result is a characteristic cough that owners frequently describe as a goose honk — a dry, high-pitched, paroxysmal sound.
It is especially common in toy and miniature breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Miniature Pinscher and Spitz.
Symptoms
- Goose-honk cough: dry, paroxysmal, triggered by excitement, exercise, heat, drinking water or collar pressure.
- Exercise intolerance.
- Respiratory distress during acute episodes.
- Cyanosis (bluish gums) in severe attacks.
- Syncope during severe coughing fits.
Diagnosis
- Chest X-ray (inspiration and expiration): shows tracheal flattening at different points in the respiratory cycle.
- Fluoroscopy: real-time imaging to visualise dynamic collapse.
- Tracheobronchoscopy: confirms diagnosis and grades collapse (I–IV).
Treatment
- Medical management (first line):
- Antitussives (butorphanol, hydrocodone): reduce coughing episodes.
- Bronchodilators (theophylline, terbutaline): open the airway.
- Mild sedatives (acepromazine): for respiratory panic attacks.
- Weight management: essential — obesity worsens collapse.
- Switch to a harness: collars create direct tracheal pressure and must be avoided.
- Intraluminal tracheal stent: for severe grade III–IV cases unresponsive to medical treatment. Specialist procedure with good results but potential complications.
Living with a dog with tracheal collapse
- Avoid extreme heat and high humidity.
- Never use a collar — always a harness.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid tobacco smoke, strong fragrances and aerosol sprays.
- Have an emergency vet contact ready — severe attacks may need sedation.