Collapsing trachea

[Maxy24]

Has anyone ever heard of a dog with a collapsing trachea? My Uncle's dog went to the vet and they said that is what she has. Just wondering if anyone had more info on it.

[Momof2Pups]

I've never personally known a dog to have it, though I know it's more more prevalent in toy breeds. Here (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1611&articleid=410) is an article I found on it.
And another article, a bit more detailed, here (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1527).

[bubbatd]

I've only known it from misused chain collars .

[Momof2Pups]

It doesn't neccesarily have anything to do with choke chains.
From the articles:

The trachea is supported by tough rings made of cartilage. Occasionally, the trachea will lose its rigidity and collapse while the dog is breathing. For unknown reasons, the cartilage rings weaken and the trachea no longer has proper support. The collapsing trachea syndrome is most often seen in toy breeds, especially Toy Poodles over the age of five.

Tracheas collapse because the C cartilage flattens due to weak cartilage. When the C loses its curvature, the tracheal across the gets loose and floppy. Instead of being a tight muscle covering, the membrane moves as air passes through the trachea. When air rushes into the chest, the membrane of the intrathoracic trachea balloons outward and when air rushes out, the membrane of the intrathoracic trachea droops down into the C cartilage causing an occlusion. The tickling sensation of the membrane touching the tracheal lining generates coughing and if the obstruction interrupts breathing, the patient may become distressed. If the collapse is in the extrathoracic (also called the cervical) trachea, the opposite occurs; the collapse occurs during inhalation and the ballooning during exhalation.

[~Jessie~]

Collapsing trachea is very common in small breed dogs. A lot of times this happens because people attach a leash to the dog's collar (rather than using a harness- what should be used). I always stress to small dog owners to use a harness...I've heard many a horror story of a chi or a yorkie (for example) having collapsing trachea from their collar/leash.

[Momof2Pups]

Me too, Jessie, I always use a harness on Lucy whe she's leashed. I prefer a harness for Millie, too, just not to the same extent of hover-iness. ;)