Laryngeal collapse Help Needed!

[bulldogdad34]

Hello,

My Bully has been diagnosed with Laryngeal collapse a few weeks ago. He is really struggling and each breath is an effort. As a result, I brought him in to the emergency vet a couple weeks ago. They performed an endoscopy to see what is going on.

At this point, he was diagnosed with Laryngeal collapse. The surgeon told us because the cartilage in his larynx was diseased that a Laryngeal Tie Back surgery wasn't an option (because if they did this the cartilage would simply collapse on to itself as they stated).

He recovered well from the surgery (first couple days were bad) and it seemed like he was doing fine for 2 weeks. Now is starting to trend badly again.

Any suggestions? He is 100% healthy (can walk, eat etc) besides for this Laryngeal collapse and now they are saying they can't do the surgery.

He is 8.5 years old.

I look forward to hearing everyones thoughts.

Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Hankster]

No experience but had to say welcome and wish you the best! Hoping someone here can give you some answers...

 

[bulldogdad34]

Thank you. It is so difficult when our bulldogs get older and sick

 

[Hankster]

oh I dread that time.... Mine is only 16 months old and I have already been a worry-wart way too much!!! There are some real experience people here and ones that foster etc so they have LOTS of experience.. I sure hope it's good outcome experience...

 

[bulldogdad34]

The animal hospital has provided him a sedative and he is sleeping comfortably there (he is going to spend the night there as it is a 24 hour vet) to be safe.

They have recommended a trial of a medicine called doxepin which they have seen some success in.

Said the tie back surgery has many risks. Will see what comes of it. I hope to hear from someone that has gone through this!

 

[Hankster]

The animal hospital has provided him a sedative and he is sleeping comfortably there (he is going to spend the night there as it is a 24 hour vet) to be safe.

They have recommended a trial of a medicine called doxepin which they have seen some success in.

Said the tie back surgery has many risks. Will see what comes of it. I hope to hear from someone that has gone through this!

boy,,, I'm so sorry for this worry... It's sunday and a slower day but people will come on...

 

[helsonwheels]

That's the upper part of the trachea in humans n most surgery are successful but in dogs I dont know. Will tag a few members for you. Hang on. [MENTION=15364]oscarmayer[/MENTION], [MENTION=2894]2BullyMama[/MENTION], [MENTION=2071]Davidh[/MENTION]

 

[Vikinggirl]

I'm so sorry you are going through this with your baby. I don't have any experience with this. Have you looked into maybe seeing a specialist in this type of surgery to get a second opinion and to,see if anything else can be done? I hope you find answers and someone that can help Bubba. Please keep us posted. Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

 

[Vikinggirl]

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[Lalaloopsie]

So sorry for your bullie health problem! It is really a difficult condition to treatMay be try to seek second opinion, may be somewhere vets practice other surgeries for it. I don't know if in the US other surgeries for this condition are recommended, but from what I can read in Other than English languages, there are other techniques to repair it. I think if you just email or call different clinics ( may be it is better to look at vet university clinics) and describe your situation, they could answer you " yes we do " or " no, we don't do other than tie back surgery ". But at least you could try. Again, so sorry for your baby suffering

 

[Vikinggirl]

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Tracheal Collapse in Dogs​

Tracheal collapse is a common cause of airway obstruction in dogs. The trachea, or “windpipe,” is a tube made up of sturdy rings of cartilage through which air is transported to and from the lungs. Sometimes, however, the tracheal rings begin to collapse, and as air is squeezed through, a characteristic honking cough results.​

Why tracheal collapse occurs is unknown, although a congenital abnormality, in which the cartilage of the tracheal rings is less cellular and therefore weaker than normal, is suspected.
What Are the Signs of Tracheal Collapse?

In addition to a honking cough, other signs that may be seen include exercise intolerance, labored breathing and a bluish tinge to the gums. The cough and other signs may be provoked by excitement, eating, drinking, tracheal irritants (smoke or dust), obesity, exercise and hot and humid weather.​

What Breeds/Ages Are Prone to Tracheal Collapse?

The condition, which is genetic, primarily affects toy breeds of both sexes, with Yorkies by far the most commonly affected. Collapsing trachea can manifest at any age, though the average age when clinical signs begin to appear is six to seven years.​

How Is Tracheal Collapse Diagnosed?

A honking cough in a toy-breed dog is highly suggestive of collapsing trachea, but a definitive diagnosis may require additional tests. Radiographs may reveal an obviously collapsed trachea, although not always. Fluoroscopy, which allows visualization of the trachea as the dog inhales and exhales, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Fluoroscopy is available only at universities and referral centers.​

How Is Tracheal Collapse Treated?

Most cases of tracheal collapse are treated with cough suppressants, bronchodilators, corticosteroids (to control inflammation), and/or antibiotics. In obese patients, weight loss helps decrease respiratory effort. Although treatment is not curative, a study released in 1994 showed that 71 percent of dogs treated medically showed a good long-term response.​

If medical management produces no response in two weeks, or if severe signs compromise the pet’s functionality, surgery is recommended. Various surgical techniques have been described, but the application of prosthetic polypropylene rings to the outside of the trachea is the current treatment of choice, with an overall success rate reported to be in the 75- to 85-percent range. In general, the outcome of surgery is poorer for dogs older than six years. It is a tricky, specialized surgery that is best performed by a skilled surgeon, usually at a referral center.


What Else Can Pet Guardians Do If Their Dog Has a Collapsed Trachea?

Whether medical or surgical treatment is chosen, pet owners can help relieve signs by keeping their pet’s weight down (even slightly under is ideal), switching from a collar to a chest harness, and avoiding respiratory irritants.​

 

[Vikinggirl]

LIVE WELLWhat Is Tracheal Collapse In Dogs? Are There Natural Treatments?

If your pup has common condition, there are natural ways to help as well as traditional.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 by MARYBETH BITTEL0000

The first time it happened, I actually thought my dog was dying.
Grant and I were enjoying a late-summer stroll, when suddenly his favorite Schnoodle, Sally, came bounding around the corner. Grant began tugging on his leash in excitement. I’d already started in with my usual stern commands to “heel” and “sit” — but this time, something alarming happened.

Without warning, Grant dropped down on all fours, hung his head low, and began wheezing in the most horrible, raspy-grinding sort of way. It almost sounded as if he were honking, like a goose. In between honks, he would pant frantically. It seemed like his lungs just couldn’t get enough air. That’s because, as I later found out, they couldn’t.
Grant managed to recover after a few minutes. But I was so flustered that we visited our vet, where I was introduced to the troubling term “tracheal collapse.” My vet explained that the condition is actually not that uncommon. The problem lies within the tracheal structure itself.

To understand more clearly, I checked with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Basically, they illustrate that the trachea — which some call a “windpipe”— looks kind of like a long, hollow, muscular straw or tube. It consists of stacked, c-shaped cartilage rings, which help transport air to and from the lungs. When these rings begin to constrict or collapse, only a tiny bit of air manages to squeak through with every breath. That’s what produced the panicky honking noises Grant was making.

Board-certified veterinary surgeons like Dr. Daniel Degner point out that this condition generally tends to affect smaller breeds such as Yorkies, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Shih-Tzu mixes like Grant. In some cases, it’s congenital — meaning basically present from birth. But often, it begins to manifest gradually over time. So in certain instances, those cartilage rings may be slightly malformed from the start. But they can also progressively weaken and begin to change from a nicely rounded c-shape into a more flattened u-shape.

Lungs/trachea illustration by Shutterstock.Grant has had a couple more instances of tracheal collapse since that first incident, and so far he’s always recovered rather quickly on his own — but that’s not the case with every dog. Moreover, a raspy-sounding cough can be the hallmark symptom of several conditions, so your vet may also rule out other underlying issues. Grant had a special X-ray, which showed a tracheal-shape distortion. This technique, called fluoroscopy, demonstrates what happens to the trachea in real time as your dog breathes. In severe cases, an endoscopy can also be performed to get a closeup, inside view of the airway with a miniature camera.
If it’s confirmed that your pup struggles with tracheal collapse, recognize that it’s not a death sentence. But certainly, your canine’s quality of life could be compromised. So what are some steps you can take to help your furry friend breathe easier? Here’s a list of natural measures that have worked well for Grant so far.

1. Losing weight

Excess weight puts added pressure on your dog’s airway. Losing even a couple extra pounds can help minimize air obstruction and decrease your canine’s overall respiratory effort.

2. Adjusting eating position

Raising your pup’s bowl off the floor — either by placing it in a stand or on a low platform — helps prevent “crimping” of the neck region as your dog chews and swallows. This reduces general stress on the airway. Aim for a height that keeps the top of your canine’s head somewhat even with his shoulders.

3. Avoiding over-excitement

Some dogs with trachea issues may begin to gag when they become stressed or over-excited. I’ve even heard of certain dogs turning blue. So it’s smart to practice calming techniques with your pup. ThunderShirts can be an effective apparel option. You can also try sprinkling botanically based products like Bach Rescue Remedy on food or using calming aromatic scents like those offered by Lampe-Berger.

4. Alleviating pressure

Never use a collar to walk any dog who struggles with tracheal issues. A soft chest-wrapping harness is always your best bet. When it comes to Grant, we avoid all pressure around the throat region. Even his ThunderShirt is secured loosely in that area.
5. Evaluating the environment

Keep your home environment as smoke-free and dust-free as you can, to avoid undue irritation of the airways. This is your perfect excuse to pull out the vacuum (and maybe even kick that nicotine habit)!

6. Investigating alternatives

My holistic veterinarian often suggests cartilage-building supplements to help support the tracheal structure. These include MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Ask your vet if any of these might be appropriate for your pup.
A key strategy with chronic tracheal collapse is to break the coughing cycle, which irritates the airway and compounds the problem. So for moderate cases that aren’t improving on their own, your vet may want to discuss prescription cough suppressants, antispasmodics, and/or bronchodilators. And certainly, antibiotics can calm the coughing reflex in cases where infection is actually present.
Surgery is one final option, and if the problem seems to be worsening you could consult with a qualified veterinary surgeon. Recognize, however, that tracheal procedures are fairly specialized. They involve specific rehabilitation protocols and carry a degree of surgical risk. The good news is that managing symptoms proactively can often help you avoid surgery altogether — keeping your canine comfy, active, and going strong.

MARYBETH BITTEL

Marybeth lives in the Midwest with her wonderful husband, and her rescue dogs Grant and Maizy — all of them Heinz 57 mixed-breed types. A freelance writer and marketing consultant, she’s been rehabilitating severely abused rescues for over two decades. She’s currently working toward specialized certifications in animal nutrition counseling.
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[1Chumly]

I don't know where in the country you are but do you have a University Veterinary School anywhere fairly close? It may be worth checking out especially for a second opinion. They sometimes have a bit of a waiting list so bear that in mind too. Good luck. I hope your boy gets some help soon.

 

[ddnene]

Oh gosh, I am SO very sorry to hear this... I honestly don't know if we have any members that have dealt w/this [MENTION=2]bullmama[/MENTION] ?!!

 

[bulldogdad34]

Thank you for all the replies!

We have been sent home with doxeprin (primarily used in humans).

There have been some exciting results in regards to this in recent months.

Debatable whether this works in all cases and also bubba has laryngeal collapse. Many of these articles mention laryngeal paralysis with doxperin but the vet said it is worth a shot!... thoughts?

See below...
Currently there is anecdotal evidence that a drug called Doxepin may help some dogs with laryngeal paralysis, although the mechanism of action isn't fully understood. Doxepin is a human antidepressant that has some antihistamine effects and is useful in some dogs with chronic skin problems from allergies. In the course of using it for that purpose, some veterinarians are reporting that dogs with laryngeal paralysis seem to be well-controlled in their breathing problems while on it.

To my knowledge, there have been no studies using Doxepin for this purpose, so it is off-label, and your veterinarian may not be aware of this drug or this use of it. If your veterinarian has access to the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) he/she can do a quick search on it.

Keep in mind it may or may not help your dog but may be worth a trial as a possible simple solution. I have personally tried it in 3 patients so far for this purpose and all 3 improved greatly, and one owner even called specifically to tell me the drug had given her "a new dog" just when she was considering euthanasia. That dog relapsed when she failed to renew the prescription, but is well-controlled again so long as she gets the drug.

Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Lancaster, NY