Hi,
This sounds like Tracheal problems such as irritation or a collapse during times of excitement or exercise.
Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea partially collapses as a dog breathes, leading to tracheal irritation, coughing and sometimes secondary changes in the lungs or upper airways. It is most common in toy breed dogs but can occur in larger breeds at times. It is reported to be most common in Terriers, poodles, Chihuahuas, pugs and Pomeranian have been reported to be the breeds most commonly affected by this condition but it is reasonably common in all the toy breeds and several other smaller dog breeds.
The trachea is the airway from the larynx to the main bronchi in the lungs. It looks a lot like a "Shop-Vac" vacuum cleaner hose lots of stiff rings with flexible tissue connecting them. The rings are actually more like the letter C with the free ends slightly overlapping and are composed of stiff cartilage when properly formed. For some reason, the rings are not stiff enough in some dogs and they can't hold the trachea open against the negative air pressure created during respiration. The portion of the trachea that is not stiff is sucked into the airway, partially obstructing it and leading to irritation and coughing. The irritation is self perpetuating, since coughing and increased respiratory efforts lead to further irritation and worsening of clinical signs. Eventually, damage can occur to the lungs, larynx or even upper airways (nasal passages and soft palate regions). Part of the problem is anatomical, but not all dogs with identifiable tracheal collapse show significant clinical signs, so other factors must be partially responsible. Obesity, irritants, allergies, obesity, concurrent heart failure, bacteria, viruses and obesity can all contribute to the problem, as well. If a pet owner smokes, this is another good reason to quit doing so. Smoking does seem to be a factor in initiating and prolonging symptoms of tracheal collapse.
The symptoms of tracheal collapse are coughing, difficulty breathing and tiring easily. When this condition first occurs many dog owners truly believe that there must be something caught in their dog's airway due to the severity of the cough. If the tracheal collapse is occurring inside the chest the increase in pressure on the circulation can lead to heart enlargement or contribute to heart failure.
It may be possible to feel the collapse of the trachea with the fingers on exam. In some cases the narrowing of the trachea can be caught on an X-ray or by ultrasound exam. The best and most definitive way to diagnose tracheal collapse is with an endoscope, though.
There are medical treatments for collapsing trachea as well as surgical treatments. The consensus of opinion seems to be that collapsing tracheal problems are best treated medically until it becomes obvious that medical treatment alone is not going to work.
Walter
Breeder
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