My 3 year old Pom seems to have trouble breathing whenever she gets very excited. Is there a medical procedure for fixing this?
2007-02-06 21:57:40 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi MDHM!
Most likely it is a tracheal collapse. Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea partially collapses as a dog breathes, leading to tracheal irritation, coughing and sometimes secondary changes in the lungs or upper airways. It is most common in toy breed dogs but can occur in larger breeds at times. It is likely that this condition is partially the result of breeding for small size.
The trachea is the airway from the larynx to the main bronchi in the lungs. It looks like a vacuum cleaner hose - lots of stiff rings with flexible tissue connecting them. For some reason, the rings are not stiff enough in some dogs and they can't hold the trachea open against the negative air pressure created during respiration. The portion of the trachea that is not stiff is sucked into the airway, partially obstructing it and leading to irritation and coughing. This happens on inspiration when the portion of the trachea affected is in the neck region and on expiration if the trachea inside the chest itself is the problem.
There are medical treatments for collapsing trachea as well as surgical treatments. Medical treatment is aimed at controlling the cough, dilating the airways if possible and controlling the secondary inflammation of the tracheal tissues. Consult with your vet about this problem and check pom trachea !!
Jason Homan
2007-02-07 01:03:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on what the problem is. It is impossible to tell this over the internet - even if your descriptions are very good. I would suggest you take your dog to your vet as soon as possible. This could be a very serious problem and your vet will help you discuss all of your options.
2007-02-06 23:05:17 · answer #2 · answered by Tara M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of toy dogs have this problem i would have your vet check her throat. it is some times called a reverse sneeze. i have had two small dogs but i was luck no problems
2007-02-06 22:39:44 · answer #3 · answered by Skyhoss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
seems like a question to take up with your vet.
2007-02-06 22:43:13 · answer #4 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋