When is surgery for collapsing trachea recommended? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

JaneGaelR · 04-12-2015, 08:24 AM

I rescued a little old man who is about 11. He gets short coughing fits when he gets too excited, but they aren't bad and resolve quickly. He is not on any medication at the moment, but I'm going to get him into see the vet to re-evaluate his trachea.

My question is about when surgery is recommended. Toto is normal weight, has no breathing problems and only short coughing attacks that stop and he's fine. However, I hate that his playtime gets interrupted by the coughing. He's just learned to play and sometimes the coughing makes him stop his games. I'm just wondering if the surgery could improve his quality of life, or if his trachea isn't bad enough to warrant the risk of surgery.

Lovetodream88 · 04-12-2015, 09:26 AM

It's still experimental and I have heard a lot of bad things about it so I would only look at it as a last resort. I would definitely try medicine first. My moms rescue is on hydrocodone for his CT and it works great.

107barney · 04-12-2015, 09:41 AM

I recently had a discussion about tracheal stents with our vet who does a lot of them. She said that there are ALOT of complications that can happen. Basically, the surgery is a last resort, last ditch effort. We have our 14.5 yo dog on Hycodan twice a day (can be used up to four times a day). We also are currently using temiril P but we have pneumonia right now so once that clears may be able to just hold on hycodan. There are several other drugs that can be added. I would see an internal med specialist. We go to Angell in Boston, that might be too far for you.

JaneGaelR · 04-12-2015, 10:44 AM

Thank you so much for the responses. It doesn't sound like the surgery is a good idea, especially when his attacks aren't severe at all.

When I need a specialist my vet refers me to one, I usually go to Tuft's Veterinary College - Foster Small Animal Hospital. I'm sure if Dr. Matz thinks a specialist is warranted we'll be referred there.

04-12-2015, 08:24 AM	#1
JaneGaelR Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New Haven, ct Posts: 19	When is surgery for collapsing trachea recommended? I rescued a little old man who is about 11. He gets short coughing fits when he gets too excited, but they aren't bad and resolve quickly. He is not on any medication at the moment, but I'm going to get him into see the vet to re-evaluate his trachea. My question is about when surgery is recommended. Toto is normal weight, has no breathing problems and only short coughing attacks that stop and he's fine. However, I hate that his playtime gets interrupted by the coughing. He's just learned to play and sometimes the coughing makes him stop his games. I'm just wondering if the surgery could improve his quality of life, or if his trachea isn't bad enough to warrant the risk of surgery.

04-12-2015, 09:26 AM	#2
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,248	It's still experimental and I have heard a lot of bad things about it so I would only look at it as a last resort. I would definitely try medicine first. My moms rescue is on hydrocodone for his CT and it works great. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

04-12-2015, 09:41 AM	#3
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	I recently had a discussion about tracheal stents with our vet who does a lot of them. She said that there are ALOT of complications that can happen. Basically, the surgery is a last resort, last ditch effort. We have our 14.5 yo dog on Hycodan twice a day (can be used up to four times a day). We also are currently using temiril P but we have pneumonia right now so once that clears may be able to just hold on hycodan. There are several other drugs that can be added. I would see an internal med specialist. We go to Angell in Boston, that might be too far for you. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

04-12-2015, 10:44 AM	#4
JaneGaelR Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New Haven, ct Posts: 19	Thank you so much for the responses. It doesn't sound like the surgery is a good idea, especially when his attacks aren't severe at all. When I need a specialist my vet refers me to one, I usually go to Tuft's Veterinary College - Foster Small Animal Hospital. I'm sure if Dr. Matz thinks a specialist is warranted we'll be referred there.