Dog and Tracheal Collapse
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Morris Lawrence
Posted on: March 14, 2006

My question pertains to my Toy Poodle, she is 13 years old now, in pretty good health and often still playful like a young puppy. The main health concern is a “collapsing trachea” for which she has been given a steroid anti-inflammatory as well as a bronchodilator. She has been on these drugs for about 6 months now and has gained weight from her usual 12 lbs to approx 15 lbs. My main concern is the necessity of these drugs as well as reports of steroids being carcinogenic. I should also add that she has developed moles. Can you make some recommendations that will improve the strength of her trachea?

Tracheal collapse is a condition most often seen in miniature and toy dogs. Although the cause is unknown, obesity can play a part. Therefore, the first thing to do would be to put your dog on a good, homemade diet as these foods will help improve not only her weight but her all-over body condition as well. Resources for recipes can be found on this website (www.richters.com) in the posting, "Aging Dog with Arthritis". Given that your dog has been on these medications for a period of time, it would be best if she were seen by a qualified practitioner who works both with animals and herbs. Your dog deserves closer attention than this forum is designed to provide.

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