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Collapsed Trachea Treatment Options

Medical Management Comes First

Most dogs start with medicine and changes at home. Vets may use cough suppressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and treatment for any infection or other airway disease, along with weight loss and a harness. Embrace Pet Insurance says this controls signs in about 70 percent of dogs (Embrace Pet Insurance). Never give human cough medicine without asking your vet.

When Medicine Stops Working

For dogs that keep coughing or have breathing crises, vets may suggest a procedure.

Option	What It Is	Usually For
Tracheal stent	A self-expanding mesh tube placed inside the windpipe through the mouth, guided by fluoroscopy	Collapse in the chest, or along much of the trachea
Extraluminal rings	Rings sutured around the outside of the windpipe through a neck incision	Collapse in the neck

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons reports about 75 percent of dogs improve with rings and about 95 percent are immediately improved with stents. Both carry real risks. See Success Rates And Risks and Surgery Cost.

Who Does These Procedures

Stents are usually placed by internal medicine or interventional radiology teams. Rings are placed by surgeons. Not every hospital offers either one. Ask your vet, or see who is listed near you.