Tracheal Collapse in Cats
Key takeaways
Tracheal collapse is a very rare condition in cats that occurs when the trachea’s supportive cartilage weakens and flattens, narrowing the airway, causing potentially fatal breathing difficulties.
- Possible causes of tracheal collapse in cats include congenital abnormalities (present from birth), upper airway obstruction, nasopharyngeal polyps, post-anesthesia complications, and asthma
- Diagnosis can be difficult given the rarity of the condition
- Diagnostic tools include initial physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic imaging
- Once diagnosed, treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and may include supplemental oxygen, cough suppressant medication, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and surgery
- The prognosis varies and is dependent on the severity of the symptoms
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A closer look: Tracheal Collapse in Cats
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a tube-shaped cartilaginous structure connecting the larynx (back of the throat) to the lungs through which air passes.
Tracheal collapse is very rare in cats and is difficult to diagnose due to its rarity. Coughing in cats warrants prompt veterinary attention. A coughing cat that is in distress, having trouble breathing, has a progressively worsening cough or purple or very pale gums requires emergency medical attention. Prognosis is not well understood due to rarity but in dogs it depends on the severity of the tracheal collapse, any underlying conditions, and response to medical management.
Risk factors
Symptoms of tracheal collapse can vary depending on the underlying cause.
Possible causes
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosing tracheal collapse is difficult due to the rare nature of the condition and the fact that many of its symptoms are common to other conditions. The first step in diagnosis is a thorough medical history and physical examination.
Diagnostics may include:
- Blood work
- Diagnostic imaging: x-rays and fluoroscopy
- Echocardiogram
- Bronchoscopy
Steps to Recovery
Once diagnosed, treatment options vary in accordance with the severity of symptoms and any underlying cause; they may include a combination of the following:
- Supplemental oxygen
- Sedation
- Cough suppressant medication
- Corticosteroids (to reduce airway inflammation)
- Antibiotics in the case of secondary infections
- Inhalers (bronchodilators and steroids)
- Surgery
- Treatment of underlying conditions causing the secondary tracheal collapse
Prognosis is cats is not well documented due to the rarity of this condition. With proper management, many dogs may have a good quality of life, nonetheless, tracheal collapse is a progressive condition. Prognosis is likely to be similar in cats.
Prevention
Tracheal collapse is not a contagious condition. Though very rare in cats, a number of preventive steps should be followed as a general rule to ensure the cat's well-being:
- Keeping the animal's environment clean to avoid airway irritation
- Ensuring the animal does not gain excessive weight
- Keeping the animal cool during very hot weather
- Making sure pets do not have access to choking hazards
Is Tracheal Collapse in Cats common?
Tracheal collapse is an extremely rare condition in cats.
Typical Treatment
- Supplemental oxygen
- Sedation
- Cough suppressant medication
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Surgery
- Inhalers (bronchodilators and steroids)
- Weight management
