Tracheal Collapse in Small Breed Dogs

Tracheal collapse is a chronic condition affecting the windpipe (trachea), most commonly seen in small-breed dogs. The condition occurs when the cartilage rings that support the trachea weaken, narrowing the airway and making breathing more difficult.

This page explains what tracheal collapse is, why small dogs are more susceptible, common symptoms, how the condition is diagnosed, and the general treatment approaches veterinarians use.

Breeds Commonly Affected

Tracheal collapse is seen most often in small and toy breed dogs.

Breeds that are more commonly affected include:

• Yorkshire Terriers
• Maltese
• Toy Poodles
• Pomeranians
• Chihuahuas
• Pugs
• Shih Tzus

While these breeds are more frequently affected, tracheal collapse can occur in other dogs as well.

What is the Trachea ?

The trachea is a relatively rigid tube consisting of rings made out of tough cartilage that resemble the letter C.  The rings are not really a complete circle, but are covered with a muscle at the opening of the C called the tracheal membrane. 

The trachea or windpipe carries air (oxygen) into the lungs when the dog inhales and expels air (carbon dioxide) from the lungs during an exhale. 

How does Tracheal Collapse Occur?

When the cartilage rings begin to weaken, the trachea loses its C shape and the rings begin to flatten. 

This flattening happens as the muscle or tracheal membrane gets floppy.  As the dog inhales, air coming in causes the trachea to balloon outward. 

As the air leaves the lungs, the windpipe flattens giving a tickling sensation that leads to coughing.  If the flattening is severe, there will be an obstructed airway causing distress to the dog. 

The entire length of the trachea from the throat to the chest can be collapsed, but more commonly, the collapse is in the area where the trachea passes into the chest.

If the dog pants or becomes anxious, the problem worsens causing rapid breathing. 

The rapid breathing causes the trachea to collapse further.  As the collapse worsens, inflammation occurs in the trachea creating increased secretions, which cause more coughing. 

More coughing creates more inflammation.  And, well you can see that the process is a vicious circle. 

It is a chronic problem and over time, the shape of the tracheal rings flattens and becomes misshaped, causing the condition to get worse and worse. 

Causes of Tracheal Collapse

The exact cause of tracheal collapse is not fully understood, but the condition is believed to have a strong genetic component. In affected dogs, the cartilage rings that support the trachea are weaker than normal or develop abnormally, making them more prone to flattening over time.

Environmental and lifestyle factors may contribute to symptom severity or earlier onset. These can include chronic airway irritation, excess body weight, repeated neck pressure, or other conditions that increase strain on the respiratory system.

Because tracheal collapse is typically progressive, symptoms may worsen gradually rather than appearing suddenly.

Symptoms of Tracheal Collapse

Dogs with mild tracheal collapse may show few or no symptoms at first.

When signs do appear, they are often triggered by excitement, exercise, heat, or respiratory irritation.

• Dry, persistent cough often described as a “goose honk.”
• Coughing during excitement or activity
• Exercise intolerance or tiring easily
• Labored or noisy breathing

In advanced cases, breathing may become more difficult, particularly during stress or exertion. These situations require prompt veterinary evaluation.

Diagnosis of Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is diagnosed by a veterinarian based on a combination of clinical signs, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging. Because the severity of airway narrowing can change during breathing, multiple approaches may be used.

X-rays are often used as an initial screening tool, but they may not always capture dynamic airway changes. In some cases, advanced imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy (a moving X-ray) are used to evaluate the trachea during inhalation and exhalation.

Endoscopy may be recommended to allow direct visualization of the trachea. This procedure is performed under anesthesia and may also help identify inflammation or other airway abnormalities.

If heart disease or other contributing conditions are suspected, additional testing, such as an echocardiogram, may be performed to assess overall cardiorespiratory health.

Treatment of Tracheal Collapse

Treatment for tracheal collapse is tailored to the individual dog and depends on the severity of symptoms. Many dogs are managed successfully with medical therapy and lifestyle adjustments under veterinary guidance.

Treatment plans may include medications to reduce coughing, inflammation, or anxiety, as well as management of contributing factors such as excess weight or environmental irritants.

In more severe cases that do not respond to medical management, referral to a veterinary specialist may be recommended to discuss advanced treatment options.

Can Tracheal Collapse Be Prevented?

Because tracheal collapse is believed to have a genetic component, there is no guaranteed way to prevent the condition. Symptoms often do not appear until adulthood.

However, managing body weight, avoiding neck pressure, and reducing exposure to respiratory irritants may help minimize symptom severity in affected dogs.