Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse can make breathing increasingly difficult for your pet, and it can become deeply distressing for owners to watch. The potential for respiratory emergencies, the risks associated with surgery, and the fact that slow deterioration cannot always be avoided makes this condition incredibly stressful to manage.
At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets are here to support both you and your pet every step of the way. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Holly’s story
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What is tracheal collapse?
Tracheal rings are rings of cartilage that offer structural stability to the trachea, allowing it to be held open. With tracheal collapse, these cartilaginous tracheal rings become weak and flaccid. Therefore, the trachea loses its structural integrity and begins to collapse. Your pet is then likely to breathe in more forcefully for air to enter their lungs. Unfortunately, this causes the tracheal collapse to worsen. This condition is often progressive, meaning that may worsen gradually over time. A collapsed trachea may also make breathing out more difficult in some cases.
This condition affects toy breeds most commonly, such as Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, etc.
Holistic treatment
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular veterinarian, as we do not offer surgical or conventional medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a valuable part of supporting the health and ongoing wellbeing of pets with tracheal collapse, alongside their conventional treatment plans.
With acupuncture and carefully selected Chinese herbal medicine, we aim to support pets with tracheal collapse in the following ways:
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Help alleviate coughing
- Help promote energy levels and vitality to help improve exercise tolerance
- Help support balance of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate
- Help minimise side-effects from long-term medications (such as steroids)
- Help promote blood circulation to the affected area
- Help slow cartilage degeneration
Human medical research suggests that acupuncture may help slow cartilage degeneration and therefore may support slower disease progression; however, more veterinary-specific research is needed
Through these approaches, our qualified vets aim to support your pet throughout their treatment journey b by easing clinical signs, supporting airway health, and potentially slowing disease progression, to help improve their quality of life. Even if your pet is scheduled for surgery, we can help support pre-operative stability and assist with post-operative healing.
Food therapy
Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, food therapy is foundational in addressing underlying “patterns of disharmony” (the way disease presents within the individual). We aim to support the body’s natural balance with tailored whole-food diets, rather than heavily processed pet foods which can contribute to inflammation.
With tracheal collapse, we may recommend cooked, easily digestible foods to minimise strain on the trachea when eating – such as excessive neck movements or excitement during meals – to help avoid triggering coughing, gagging or retching.
Every pet is unique and more specific dietary recommendations are tailored to your pet’s individual TCM diagnosis. Specific guidance can be discussed with one of our qualified vets during your consultation.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
What are common clinical signs of collapsing trachea?
- “Goose-honk” cough, often triggered by exercise, excitement, pressure from a leash etc.
- Severe coughing can cause retching, gagging, or vomiting
- Loud breathing or wheezing, especially when breathing in
- Exercise intolerance and lethargy
- Heat intolerance, or worsening signs in warm weather
Please note, the following signs are indicative of severe respiratory distress (which is an emergency):
- Blue gums or tongue
- Collapse
- Struggling to catch their breath, or gasping for air
If your pet shows these signs, they must be taken to an emergency vet immediately.
How is collapsing trachea typically treated by conventional vets?
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular vet, as we do not offer surgical or medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
For tracheal collapse, the focus of treatment depends on the stage of disease. In early stages, treatment focuses on conservative management to help slow disease progression, which may include:
- Controlled weight loss to reduce breathing effort
- Using harnesses instead of collars to take pressure off the trachea
- Medications such as anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, and cough-suppressants.
However, despite initial conservative efforts, tracheal collapse can still progress and result in severe breathing difficulties. Surgery may be recommended in these cases and is likely to require specialist referral.
Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?
No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.
When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Can I fully replace conventional treatment with holistic treatment?
No, holistic treatment should not replace conventional diagnosis or medical care.
At Holistic Vet Care, we work alongside your regular veterinarian. Conventional treatment is essential for diagnosing the condition, assessing severity, and managing emergencies or complications. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, overall health, resilience, healing, and long-term wellbeing.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Do I need a referral from my vets?
Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.
How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.
Will acupuncture hurt my pet?
It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.
Can holistic treatments help older pets?
Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.
How do I know which holistic treatments are suitable for my pet?
Talk to your vet before trialling any new treatments.
Once registered with us, you can also ask our holistic vet.
Can I claim through my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
