Diagnosis and treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs

Tracheal collapse is defined as a partial or complete obstructive narrowing of the trachea, resulting in difficulty breathing and coughing. The indicative nature of clinical symptoms and low specificity in relation to other pathologies of the respiratory system makes the issue of early diagnosis and effective treatment of patients at a late stage of the disease topical. The aim of the present study is to examine the features of the modern approach to the diagnosis and treatment of dogs’ tracheal collapse. From March 2024 to February 2025, 15 dogs with an established diagnosis were observed at the University Veterinary Clinic of Omsk State Agrarian University. When an animal was admitted with suspected tracheal collapse, the diagnostic strategy consisted of identifying characteristic clinical signs, performing a specific study to visualize the degree of tracheal narrowing, and determining associated pathologies. 47% of females and 53% of males were registered among the cases. The proof of the refutation of the hypothesis about the role of the sexual determinant in the development of the disease was the calculation of the coefficient R2, which amounted to 0.043 and showed a weak statistical relationship between the variables. The breed diversity included representatives of dwarf and brachycephalic dogs such as the Toy Terrier, Pomeranian, Chinese Crested, Maltipoo, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, French Bulldog and Shih Tzu. The age indicator, covering the range from 3 months to 16 years, showed no statistically significant association between age and the starting point of tracheal malformation pathogenesis. It was found that the primary diagnosis of tracheal collapse in dogs in 47% of cases is made at the terminal stage of the disease. The article presents a calendar schedule of treatment and preventive measures for the second, third and fourth degrees of tracheal collapse in dogs, covering three main periods of therapy. Compliance with veterinary medical instructions helped 100% of dogs achieve remission during the specified period, prevent complications and improve the quality of life of patients.