illusion Japanese Chin Information Collapsed Trachea

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is an important structure which connects the throat to the lungs. It
serves the purpose of directing air into the respiratory tract.

The normal trachea is tubular. It maintains its shape because of a series of rings made of cartilage. These rings
do not completely encircle the trachea. Instead, they go from the 2 o'clock to 10 o'clock positions. The
remainder of the trachea is composed of a flexible membrane that joins the ends of the cartilage rings.

When the cartilage rings are flattened from the top to the bottom, the trachea is said to be collapsed. Rapid
inhalation of air can cause the trachea to flatten and make it difficult for air to enter the lungs.

Most "experts" do not completely understand how this condition develops. However, they know that these
Japanese Chin have an abnormality in the chemical makeup of their tracheal rings. The rings lose their
stiffness so they are not able to retain their circular shape. They also know that it occurs in certain breeds of
dogs, notably Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, Yorkies, and Maltese.
Because of that, they suspect that there is a genetic factor involved.

The most common clinical sign is a chronic cough. It is often described as dry and harsh and can become quite
pronounced. The term "goose honk" is often used to describe it. Coughing is often worse in the daytime and
much less at night. The cough may also begin due to excitement, pressure on the trachea (from a leash), or
from drinking water or eating.

How to distinguish reverse sneezing from collapsed trachea? A chronic cough, especially a "goose honk,"
should be suspected as having collapsed trachea. Many times, very light pressure placed on the trachea during
the physical examination can raise a suspicion of collapsed trachea in a dog with a persistent dry cough. While
the information gained from the physical examination is helpful, other tests are needed to confirm this
condition. If your dog breathes through her mouth sometimes or breathes with a raspy sound, this could also
indicate a collapsed trachea.

Radiographs (x-rays) of the chest can identify the trachea and its shape. However, a collapsed trachea changes
its diameter during the respiratory cycle. It is usually collapsed during inhalation and normal during exhalation.
Therefore, an attempt to make radiographs during both phases of respiration in necessary. This can be rather
difficult to accomplish since Japanese Chin are not likely to understand the command, "Take a deep breath
and hold it."

Endoscopy is another way to evaluate the trachea. An endoscope is a tube that is small enough to insert into
the trachea; the operator can see through it and visualize the inside of the trachea. By watching the trachea
during inspiration and expiration, abnormal collapsing can be seen. Tracheal endoscopes are expensive and
not available at every veterinary hospital, so unfortunately, it may require a bit of searching to find someone
to perform this test.

Collapsed trachea can be treated medically or surgically. Some Japanese Chin respond well to bronchodilators
and various types of anti-inflammatory drugs. The trachea of these Japanese Chin is easily infected, so
antibiotics are usually part of the treatment. If obesity is present, weight loss is often beneficial. Excitement
and vigorous exercise are likely to cause a relapse, so they should be avoided as much as possible.

If medical therapy is not successful, the Japanese Chin should be evaluated for possible surgery. Radiographs
and endoscopy are used to determine how much of the trachea is collapsed. If the only abnormal part is that
segment between the throat and the point where the trachea enters the chest (the thoracic inlet), surgery may
be curative. However, if the segment of the trachea that is within the chest cavity is abnormal, surgery is not
likely to be helpful because that part is not accessible to the surgeon.

There are several surgical approaches that have been used. Each approach implants an artificial support
device that is secured around or within the trachea. The purpose of the support device is to hold the tracheal
rings in their normal, open position. Although some Japanese Chin have excellent results and are truly cured of
the disease, the outcome is usually not always successful.

Conservative treatment includes:
** Keep your dog at a normal weight. Extra weight will only put more strain on her/his respiratory system.

** Use a harness instead of a collar.

** Cool mist humidifiers have shown to be helpful for Japanese Chin with this ailment.

** Cough remedies, if the cough is really bad.

** Nutritional supplements like Glucosamine have shown promise in helping to rebuild the weak connective
tissue. This is a natural product with no side effects and is used in humans to treat arthritis.