Collapsing Trachea

[Coyote_Bandit]

In addition to his heart and thyroid problems my best bud has now developed a collapsing trachea. Breaks my heart.

I posted about him earlier:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=243&topic_id=39463&mesg_id=39463

Vet gave him some antibiotics, a steroid injection and some cough suppressants this morning. We are just waiting to see how he responds and whether this can be medically managed. If not, the vet has indicated that she would refer him to a local veterinary hospital for evaluation for what would be a high risk surgery. However, I'm not sure I could put him through that without good reason to think it would be successful. He's had a good life largely free of pain and suffering.

Please send him good vibes and warm wishes. And if you've had a furbaby that has dealt with this please share your experiences.

Thanks.

[glinda]

1. My heart goes out to you. My Alice kitty just diagnosed with Constrictive Cardiomyopithy.

We only had x-rays which revealed a small heart, fluid in the lungs and throat and enlarged vessels. She too may live on or not... I need to ask you, did you find the EKG helpful and informative? Our only other option is an ultrasound and like you leaves a family feeling like they do not know what to do. As far as the surgery goes, heart problems make our four leggeds difficult surgery patients but I have also heard of miracles.
I do not know how old your loved one is but it may be worth it to get an evaluation at least on the particulars if this surgery would help him. Then maybe you can make this decision. I also think if it can be medically managed that is good but I feel for you and your friend.
Would appreciate what you learned from an EKG as opposed to an x-ray. Alice is 6 yrs. old and now on a lasix type med and another med for heart. She has not coughed for three-four days and is grooming, eating, etc....she now eats renal failure food and have given up on allergy food for her.

[Coyote_Bandit]

2. Best I can figure my guy is about nine and a half years old

A Google search tells me that the life expectancy of this breed (Japanese spaniel) is anywhere from under 10 years to the ripe old age of 18 years. Most pages seem to list a life expectancy of between either 10 to 12 years or 12 to 14 years. Confusing but perhaps a bit helpful.

My guy is fairly small (18 pounds) and he is a puppy mill rescue. A friend rescued a dog represented to be his uncle - who we believe to be 3 to 4 months younger. Her dog is already in congestive heart failure and is taking diuretics and digitalis.

I asked my vet to do the EKG as a precautionary measure when she did his dentals in early May. Before that time the only indication we had of looming heart problems was a longstanding mild but persistent heart murmer. The EKG indicated significant enlargement of the left ventricle. Doggie had trouble coming out from under the anesthetic. He was placed on an ACE inhibitor and I started him on Co Q-10. His diet was also changed - and activity was restricted. He was not congestive and the vet advised that I should be aware of and look for signs of coughing.

In early June I did notice some coughing so I took him back to the vet - expecting to learn that he was becoming congestive and in need of diurectics. There was no indication of congestion, x-rays were taken (which did in fact show significant heart enlargement), steroids administered and antibiotics dispensed. There was no indication at that time of a collapsing trachea. The cough was treated as an upper respiratory infection. Dog seemed to respond. Coughs became less and less frequent. The dog had actually gone for several days without coughing at all when the current crisis suddenly developed. Significant narrowing is now visible in the trachea in the most recent x-rays. Doggie has been administered an additional steroid injection and another round of a different antibiotic. We return for a follow up consult next week.

My vet charges a pretty reasonable cost for EKG's. About $40 if I remember correctly. The EKG was able to pinpoint not only that the heart was enlarged but which portion of the heart - the left ventricle. Apparently that is somewhat significant because the right side of the heart will also enlarge as the animal becomes congestive. It is also suggestive of mitral valve leakage (if memory serves me correctly). I don't think that would be detectible on an x-ray. It might be on an ultrasound. Based on costs around here you could probably get an EKG and an x-ray for less than the cost of an ultrasound. My untrained opinion is that it would provide basic diagnositc information - but not the detailed visuals that might reveal some oddities or other clues. Several years ago I did have an ultrasound done on the kidneys of another dog because it was the only way to determine if they were appropriately formed, sized and shaped.

If we are not able to medically manage the collapsing trachea I will probably make the initial inquiries regarding the possibility of surgery at a veterinary hospital in the area. However, my impression is that just might be a high risk surgery on a high risk dog. I cringe wondering whether it is appropriate to put him through that kind of ordeal.

I want to give the dog the best quality of life for as long as I can - even if that means I have to let him go sooner. I've got no problems with long-term steriod use on a geriatric dog with multiple chronic and progresive health problems. I know there are risks and I know the practice is not acceptable. My vet has been really good and I'd like to think she would consider this even if only sporadically - and with informed consent of course. Yeah, I suppose odds are probably against that.....

I'm sorry about your Alice kitty. My own experience is that there is a special grief for younger animals that come to an early death or live with chronic disease. I wish her - and her family - the best. :hug:


Sorry to be soooooooooo long. Please forgive.

[glinda]

3. Not at all! This has been really helpful. In MN. there is only two places that do

ultrasound. One is the U of M about 3 hours from here and the other is Duluth which is about 3 also. They do EKG just north of us about 45 min. The X-rays were not cheap and the EKG is not either. An ultrasound would be hundreds of dollars I understand.
Wow. Your pup has a great owner. I too share your feelings about caring for our loved ones. I may go inquire further about costs of both. Thanks! And good luck and best to you and your angel.

[Coyote_Bandit]

4. UPDATE

Doggie started feeling better and since then has been holding his own. He is responding to treatment.

Despite the breathing difficulty, doggie has had a good appetite, a waggy tail and has been giving doggie kisses throughout this ordeal.

Vet advises that surgery is not an option. Dog will be treated with cough suppressants, steroids and antibiotics.

The condition is chronic and its progression and outcome varies from dog to dog.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

5. Do you use a harness when you wak doggy ?

It puts less pressure on the trachea area than a collar.

[Coyote_Bandit]

6. For years

I have used a harness instead of a collar to walk the dog. I also use elevated water and food bowls.

Dog has a leaky heart valve and his activity has been restricted for sometime. He gets lots of outdoor time in the backyard but no more walks. Even before the trachea problem he would tire very easily.

Thanks for the suggestion though. Lots of folks do not realize the damage collars can do.