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What Is A Collapsed Trachea?

How The Windpipe Works

The trachea runs from the throat to the chest. C-shaped rings of cartilage keep it round, and a thin membrane closes the top of each ring. When the rings lose stiffness, the tube flattens and the membrane can sag into the airway.

Neck Versus Chest

Collapse can happen in the part of the trachea in the neck, the part inside the chest, or both. Collapse in the neck tends to show up when the dog breathes in. Collapse in the chest tends to show up when the dog breathes out or coughs. Where it happens affects which treatment a vet suggests (UC Davis veterinary hospital).

Which Dogs Get It

It is mostly a problem of toy and small breeds, often in middle age. In a Korean referral-hospital case series, Yorkshire Terriers were about 65 percent of cases, Pomeranians about 10 percent, and Poodles and Chihuahuas about 8 percent each. a 2024 study of 110 small-breed dogs looked at related airway findings in small breeds.

What Makes It Worse

• Extra weight
• Pulling against a collar
• Heat, humidity, and excitement
• Smoke, dust, and strong scents
• Other airway or heart problems

For signs and grades, see Tracheal Collapse Symptoms.