doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ot-collapsing trachea in our Westy UPDATE

Our 12 y o female West Highland terrier has developed a severe case of collapsing trachea that has come on relatively sudden. Relentless honking cough until worn down, she then just lays down and rests from fatigue with labored breathing. Anyone here had any experience with this, and if so, did you find any remedy other than a surgical stent? Thanks.
JR

Never even heard of such a thing. You have my condolences, a sick dog is a miserable thing.
Good luck with the little guy.

Best,
Ted

Our miniature Yorkie has it, John, but never as severe as you describe. He hacks and wheezes a lot, but it seems to come and go. One thing we noticed is that he seemed to do it much worse after drinking water out of his bowl. Jean elevated the bowl so that it is just below his jaw level. That helped it a lot. He never coughs or wheezes now after drinking. We think bending low to drink worsened the condition. Funny thing is, eating bowl is on the floor, but no wheezing after eating.

Good luck. SRH

Jean says to do a search for Manuka honey. She is going to order some to try for "Will". She read that it is supposed to help it.

SRH

Terriers, and especially Yorkshire terriers, are especially prone to this condition. It typically gets worse as the dog ages, and surgery is pretty expensive. I've read that canine collagen supplements help to strengthen the trachea since it is largely composed of this structural protein. Bone broth is also supposed to be rich in collagen.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-best-way-you-can-get-more-collagen/

Thanks, keith. Jean started giving him bone broth recently. She hydrates some of his dry food with it. Maybe it will help. She started using it mostly for digestive health, but maybe it will help the trachea, too.. These little lap dogs have lots more health issues than larger breeds, it seems.

SRH

Appreciate it guys.
JR

Our Jack Russell coughs like crazy after running hard. Started doing it at other times in the house. Did the honey thing, helped some. Took collar off as precaution,2 weeks now, no coughs. At times we would likely stroke throat as he coughed, seemed to help. Good luck,

I have a 16yrs mini dachshund who has collapsed trachea issues. Besides giving him honey we also use this. The vets name is Carmen Miller and the phone number is on the bottle if you wish to talk to her. FYI this is a controlled opiod product.

Thanks Tamid. We already have that. Hydrocodone cough syrup. It works for a little while, but then symptoms return. Would prefer not giving her dope if possible.
JR