What is Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?

What is Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?

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A collapsed trachea is a condition that can happen to all types of dogs, from beagles to bulldogs. In many cases, it will require medical attention and may not be reversible without surgery. Pet parents must recognize the signs of this disorder in their animals to ensure that they receive proper treatment before the problem becomes life-threatening.

Dog collapsed trachea varies from a dog with a “collapsed” windpipe. A dog’s trachea is made of cartilage, which can collapse and make it difficult for the dog to breathe. However, they still have their windpipes (the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs).

If you want to know about the signs and symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs, and the treatment options available, here is the information.

What is Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?

A dog’s trachea is a long tube of cartilage that runs from the throat to the lungs. It allows air to pass through so dogs can breathe normally. In most cases, the trachea is made up of C-shaped rings. There are small gaps between the C-shaped rings where air can pass through to get to the lungs. However, these spaces can collapse in some cases. When this problem occurs, it makes it difficult for dogs to breathe normally, and they will start showing symptoms accordingly.

What are the Types of Collapsed Trachea?

There are two types of collapsed trachea. One type is where the cartilage rings collapse into each other, making it difficult for air to pass through. It happens over time. The second type is a hole in one part of the trachea (due to injury, illness, or infection). When the dog tries to breathe in, air collapses into this hole and makes it difficult for pets to take a breath.

What are the Symptoms of Collapsed Trachea?

Some common symptoms of a dog collapsed trachea include:

  1. Difficulty in Breathing – Breathing becomes difficult because there is no airflow getting through the trachea.
  2. Snorting, Gasping, or Choking – If your dog starts making noises while taking a breath, it could be a sign that their collapsed trachea is worsening. It will only worsen as time goes on if they do not seek treatment.
  3. Weak Pulse – If your dog has a weak pulse when breathing, this indicates that the trachea blockage is preventing proper blood flow. It will only deteriorate over time if the pets do not seek treatment.
  4. Labored Breathing – When your dog is breathing, you may notice it is much more complex than usual. Its lungs are having trouble catching up with the air that keeps getting cut off through the trachea. It may start panting excessively as well.
  5. Lethargy and Poor Appetite – Your dog will most likely be sluggish and may even lose its appetite. The pets won’t want to do anything they usually enjoy because they are in pain, and these activities need a lot of energy and effort.

How to Diagnose Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?

Your vet will diagnose your pet with a collapsed trachea based on their symptoms and a physical examination. They will use the results of a tracheal flush to mix up air and liquid to see if there is any blockage in the trachea. Other methods may include:

  • X-rays: Dogs with collapsed tracheas usually have abnormal images showing up in their windpipes.
  • CT scan: A computerized tomography (CT) image allows vets to view the inside of your dog’s windpipe and find out what is blocking it.
  • Bronchoscopy: Your vet may use a flexible tube with a camera to look down into your pet’s trachea and determine the presence of blockages.

What are the Treatment Options?

  1. CBD Oil

According to reports, CBD statistics imply that 8.4 million British purchased CBD or planned to do it amidst the pandemic.

CBD oil can help your dog’s trachea stay open so they can breathe normally. It will also support the immune system, which will help speed up the healing process of tissue damage caused by collapsed tracheas.

  1. Surgical Procedures

If CBD oil does not get rid of your dog’s collapsed trachea, then surgery may be necessary. Veterinarians can remove the collapsed area and sew up the remaining part of the trachea (laryngeal saccule)

How Does CBD Work In Treating Collapsed Trachea?

CBD-based studies indicate that hemp oil can help minimize inflammation and swelling in your dog’s trachea. It will also help the immune system and aid in tissue regrowth, which speeds up the healing process. It all helps reduce your dog’s pain and discomfort caused by collapsed tracheas.

How Can You Give CBD?

CBD comes in different forms, so it is easy for your dog to take. These include:

  1. Everyday Oil Drops – Ensure the CBD oil you choose contains at least 500 mg of Cannabinoids. Add one drop to your dog’s food or give it directly by mouth every day.
  2. Tinctures – Tinctures are a popular, concentrated form of CBD oil that comes in small bottles. They only require the dog to take one drop per day.
  3. Dog Treats – CBD treats can be easily given to your pet without having them eat them directly from their hands. It is essential because sometimes dogs do not like the taste of CBD, and they tend to refuse their food.
  4. CBD Pills – Not all dogs can take CBD orally. So you can give them pills that contain it. It is ideal to talk to a vet first, but one tablet per day should be sufficient for your pet’s health needs.
  5. CBD Capsules – Capsules are filled with CBD and can be administered orally to your dog. The advantage of pills over other forms is that they already contain a measured dosage for your dog, so there is no guesswork involved. However, it would be best to get advice from your vet before giving this product to your pet because the dosage may vary.

CBD oil can come in various forms, and one of them is CBD hemp oil. It comes from the plant’s flowers and not its seeds, so it does not have that solid nutty flavor that makes some dogs turn up their noses at it. You can give your dog drops infused with cannabidiol by putting a few drops in your dog’s food.

There are different brands of CBD hemp oil for dogs, so it is essential to choose the right one. Check the ingredients of the product you are buying to ensure that it does not contain petroleum or artificial flavors.

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