My Molly has a Collapsed Trachea - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Judith · 01-02-2006, 08:45 PM

Hello, to all Yorkie Lovers,
I am new to the Forum and have enjoyed reading the questions and especially have enjoyed reading the caring advice. My Sweet Baby, Molly, is 8 years old. She was adopted and must have had a lonely early life, as she was crated up to 8 hours a day. Also, much to my Vet's disgust, someone had actually filed her teeth down and they are evenly flat. I have loved and adored her for the last 3 years. On Christmas day she began choking and "honking" and I took her to the Emergency Vet Hospital. It was a COLLAPSED TRACHEA and the Vet put her on Aminophylline 50-100 mgs. I have never cried so hard in my life. Her gums and tongue turned blue in the ER. They saved her but I was told it is Stage IV which is the worst stage and that she won't survive another attack. I try to keep her calm, bought her a harness instead of a collar, and feed her fresh food. The hardest part is keeping her calm. I live in fear of that next attack. Has anyone else had this happen? I vowed she would never know pain or neglect again--Is there anything else I could do for her? Thks, Judi

SoCalyorkiLvr · 01-02-2006, 08:55 PM

I know there are procedures for this condition......surgert...in fact i know that there was vet developing a new procedure just recently that was showing greater rpomise than what has existed up til now. I think it is a devise that keeps the trachea open. Maybe a search on the internet may help you finjd some experts in this area.

I know how scary that must have been for you. Collapsed trachea is a common condition in yorkies and I have always been afraid of one of mine developing the condition.

I hope you can find her some help.

red98vett · 01-03-2006, 04:47 AM

Judith - I can't offer help but I want to say I'm so sorry and hope she has no more episodes like that - poor baby she sounds like her life BEFORE you was horrible.....

what a good person you are for loving and taking care of her.....Bless her heart - I hope she's going to be ok....

Bentley&BitsysMom · 01-03-2006, 04:55 AM

Hello and Welcome to the forum! So sorry to hear about your Molly

This place will be a well of information and support for you. I don't know much about this particular problem but know you will get great advice on here from people who really care. So glad little Molly has you to take care of and love her

diva pup · 01-03-2006, 05:43 AM

So Cal is right there is a surgery for dogs with collapsed trachea. I believe they can put a stint in to hold the trachea open. My vet and I were talking about toy dog probs and he told me this, you can probably do a search on the net and find some info. Good luck and God bless.

Patti · 01-03-2006, 06:16 AM

Judith, i lost my sweet baby Gracie at 6 1/2 years due to complications from a severely collapsed trachea at the thoracic area. She lived a little over a year from time of diagnosis. She developed heart and lung problems because of it and breathing became too difficult for her. This happened 9 years ago. I took her to a specialist and the surgery they suggested would most likely have left her with a trach tube and a whole set of problems. I researched it with the Univ of ill vet school who referred me to Texas A & M Univ vet school who had just done a long study on collapsed trachea's in small dogs. They were so kind and I talked to one of their vets and she told me her opinion, which was that the outcome was never good when it was collapsed where Gracie's was. They then sent me the paper/ study for $10.00. After reading that and the input from their vet I did not do the surgery. She most likely would have died on the table. She did live another year which had it's ups and downs, many trips to the er vet and regular vets. What would send Gracie into a spell was thunder. I lived in fera of thunderstorms because she would get so upset and go into a choking spell. One day about a week after her last spell my husband called me and said she had'nt moved from her spot in the hall on a big blanket and she was laying in her urine. I took her in and the vet said she's struggling for every breath she is no longer enjoying life.
I made the hardest decision to put her down so she would be in peace.
IMO i would tak her to a specialist and see what the say, depending on where the collapse is and with newer technology surgery may be an option for you. I also had a male Yorkies who had a pretty bad collapsed trachea but he lived until he was almost 13 with the help of medicine. Sorry this was so long but I wanted to give you my experience with it. Good luck and keep us posted. Feel free to Pm me if you want.

yorluvr · 01-04-2006, 10:13 AM

Talk to your vet for a referral to a hospital that performs surgery on collapsing tracheas. Currently, the stents are being performed, depending on the area of collapse. The procedure is not cheap, usually around $4000, but if successful, your yorkie will be able to lead a fairly normal life. Cough suppressants can help mild cases, but it sounds like your girl may be a candidate for surgery. Good luck with her.
Julie

Judith · 01-04-2006, 02:13 PM

Thanks for all the good advice regarding Collapsed Trachea. One of my three Vets participated in 2 surgeries that were successful, but he said surgery was not an option for Molly. So, we are doing the best we can. She is such a happy girl; follows me everywhere, loves walks, loves to eat and snuggle. Each Yorkie is unique and Molly has some weird little habits. She loves to hide and bury her "snaps". She puts 3 in her mouth at once and hunts down a place to hide them. If you leave a sock in the bathroom, chances are when you pick it up, a "snap" will fall out. She loves celery, carrots and turkey sticks. I can't let her gain any weight so she doesn't get her favorite- meatballs! Whoever had her before trained her and she can shake hands, sit and lie down and has never had an accident inside. I've tried to teach her to play with a ball but she doesn't understand how to play. She loves having her tummy tickled and is such a Sweetheart. I hope I can keep her healthy for a long time as I am totally in love with this little Angel Baby. I'll keep you posted on her progress.

JCarlson2004 · 01-04-2006, 02:20 PM

Oh poor precious little Molly. I can't offer any advice but I just wanted to let you know that Molly is in my prayers. She sounds like a fighter! Codie and Tia send Molly kisses.

Judith · 02-05-2006, 07:24 PM

Hi, again,
Molly is doing very well. I started her on Nutrical and her eyes are brighter than ever. She wears a halter, which I take off when she is inside. I never rub her throat...If she starts "honking" I rub her head and try to get her to look up and extend her neck. So far so good.
She does love to eat, though, and seems to be hungry most of the time-which is a problem because I don't want her to gain any more weight. She still sleeps a lot and snores sometimes, which is cute but probably not healthy. Thanks to everyone who said prayers for her.
Molly's Mom

whispersmom2 · 02-05-2006, 08:51 PM

Judith, I am so sorry to hear about Molly. There are so many Yorkies with this condition. It is being diagnosed at an alarming rate.
I do not know if you would be interested, but the vet school at the Univ. of PA has a vet working with a hooman anesthesiologist and the 2 are working on the most advanced procedures to help with this condition.
If you got your baby from a local breeder, I would advise you just give them a heads up about it...It might just be getting started in the lines..Best of luck with her care..

red98vett · 02-06-2006, 02:56 AM

Bless her heart...another trick to get them to stop "honking" is to gently place your fingers over her nostrils - I kind of tap my fingers right on their little nose over their nostrils........it's to get them to take a breath thru their mouths.

When my girls get excited or drink too fast sometimes they do that and this has really helped to stop them from 'honking"...Wishing you the VERY Best to you and Molly...

heather_lathrop · 02-06-2006, 12:44 PM

I don't have any advise to help you. But I just want to say what a wonderful person you are for adopting her, and giving her the best life possible. I will say a prayer for her, and for you during your time of trouble.

barbg402 · 02-06-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judith

Hi, again,
Molly is doing very well. I started her on Nutrical and her eyes are brighter than ever. She wears a halter, which I take off when she is inside. I never rub her throat...If she starts "honking" I rub her head and try to get her to look up and extend her neck. So far so good.
She does love to eat, though, and seems to be hungry most of the time-which is a problem because I don't want her to gain any more weight. She still sleeps a lot and snores sometimes, which is cute but probably not healthy. Thanks to everyone who said prayers for her.
Molly's Mom

Judith, I am so sorry to hear about Molly's condition. I have a Bichon, who has a collapsed trachea. Sometimes I open the freezer door to the refrigerator and hold her so she can breathe in the cold fresh air and it seems to help open the passage way. Good luck with Molly and give her lots of hugs and kisses.

Yorkieluv · 02-06-2006, 03:12 PM

Oh Judith, I'm so sorry about Molly having a collapsed trachea...I don't have any advice for you other than what's already been said but just wanted to tell you that I'll keep Molly in our thoughts and prayers.

01-02-2006, 08:45 PM	#1
Judith Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 12	My Molly has a Collapsed Trachea Hello, to all Yorkie Lovers, I am new to the Forum and have enjoyed reading the questions and especially have enjoyed reading the caring advice. My Sweet Baby, Molly, is 8 years old. She was adopted and must have had a lonely early life, as she was crated up to 8 hours a day. Also, much to my Vet's disgust, someone had actually filed her teeth down and they are evenly flat. I have loved and adored her for the last 3 years. On Christmas day she began choking and "honking" and I took her to the Emergency Vet Hospital. It was a COLLAPSED TRACHEA and the Vet put her on Aminophylline 50-100 mgs. I have never cried so hard in my life. Her gums and tongue turned blue in the ER. They saved her but I was told it is Stage IV which is the worst stage and that she won't survive another attack. I try to keep her calm, bought her a harness instead of a collar, and feed her fresh food. The hardest part is keeping her calm. I live in fear of that next attack. Has anyone else had this happen? I vowed she would never know pain or neglect again--Is there anything else I could do for her? Thks, Judi

01-03-2006, 04:47 AM	#3
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	Judith - I can't offer help but I want to say I'm so sorry and hope she has no more episodes like that - poor baby she sounds like her life BEFORE you was horrible..... what a good person you are for loving and taking care of her.....Bless her heart - I hope she's going to be ok.... __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

01-03-2006, 04:55 AM	#4
Bentley&BitsysMom Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Charlotte Posts: 2,836	Hello and Welcome to the forum! So sorry to hear about your Molly This place will be a well of information and support for you. I don't know much about this particular problem but know you will get great advice on here from people who really care. So glad little Molly has you to take care of and love her __________________ Michelle BENTLEY, BITSY, CHARLIE, & BAILEY'S Mommy Dogster Pagehttp://www.dogster.com/?145000

01-03-2006, 06:16 AM	#6
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Judith, i lost my sweet baby Gracie at 6 1/2 years due to complications from a severely collapsed trachea at the thoracic area. She lived a little over a year from time of diagnosis. She developed heart and lung problems because of it and breathing became too difficult for her. This happened 9 years ago. I took her to a specialist and the surgery they suggested would most likely have left her with a trach tube and a whole set of problems. I researched it with the Univ of ill vet school who referred me to Texas A & M Univ vet school who had just done a long study on collapsed trachea's in small dogs. They were so kind and I talked to one of their vets and she told me her opinion, which was that the outcome was never good when it was collapsed where Gracie's was. They then sent me the paper/ study for $10.00. After reading that and the input from their vet I did not do the surgery. She most likely would have died on the table. She did live another year which had it's ups and downs, many trips to the er vet and regular vets. What would send Gracie into a spell was thunder. I lived in fera of thunderstorms because she would get so upset and go into a choking spell. One day about a week after her last spell my husband called me and said she had'nt moved from her spot in the hall on a big blanket and she was laying in her urine. I took her in and the vet said she's struggling for every breath she is no longer enjoying life. I made the hardest decision to put her down so she would be in peace. IMO i would tak her to a specialist and see what the say, depending on where the collapse is and with newer technology surgery may be an option for you. I also had a male Yorkies who had a pretty bad collapsed trachea but he lived until he was almost 13 with the help of medicine. Sorry this was so long but I wanted to give you my experience with it. Good luck and keep us posted. Feel free to Pm me if you want. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

01-04-2006, 02:13 PM	#8
Judith Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 12	Molly's "hanging in there" ...... Thanks for all the good advice regarding Collapsed Trachea. One of my three Vets participated in 2 surgeries that were successful, but he said surgery was not an option for Molly. So, we are doing the best we can. She is such a happy girl; follows me everywhere, loves walks, loves to eat and snuggle. Each Yorkie is unique and Molly has some weird little habits. She loves to hide and bury her "snaps". She puts 3 in her mouth at once and hunts down a place to hide them. If you leave a sock in the bathroom, chances are when you pick it up, a "snap" will fall out. She loves celery, carrots and turkey sticks. I can't let her gain any weight so she doesn't get her favorite- meatballs! Whoever had her before trained her and she can shake hands, sit and lie down and has never had an accident inside. I've tried to teach her to play with a ball but she doesn't understand how to play. She loves having her tummy tickled and is such a Sweetheart. I hope I can keep her healthy for a long time as I am totally in love with this little Angel Baby. I'll keep you posted on her progress.

01-02-2006, 08:55 PM	#2
SoCalyorkiLvr BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,246	I know there are procedures for this condition......surgert...in fact i know that there was vet developing a new procedure just recently that was showing greater rpomise than what has existed up til now. I think it is a devise that keeps the trachea open. Maybe a search on the internet may help you finjd some experts in this area. I know how scary that must have been for you. Collapsed trachea is a common condition in yorkies and I have always been afraid of one of mine developing the condition. I hope you can find her some help.

01-03-2006, 05:43 AM	#5
diva pup BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,139	So Cal is right there is a surgery for dogs with collapsed trachea. I believe they can put a stint in to hold the trachea open. My vet and I were talking about toy dog probs and he told me this, you can probably do a search on the net and find some info. Good luck and God bless.

01-04-2006, 10:13 AM	#7
yorluvr Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 53	Talk to your vet for a referral to a hospital that performs surgery on collapsing tracheas. Currently, the stents are being performed, depending on the area of collapse. The procedure is not cheap, usually around $4000, but if successful, your yorkie will be able to lead a fairly normal life. Cough suppressants can help mild cases, but it sounds like your girl may be a candidate for surgery. Good luck with her. Julie

01-04-2006, 02:20 PM	#9
JCarlson2004 Mommy To 3 Poochies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New York Posts: 8,287	Oh poor precious little Molly. I can't offer any advice but I just wanted to let you know that Molly is in my prayers. She sounds like a fighter! Codie and Tia send Molly kisses. __________________ Mommy Loves Codie, Tia & Baby Cali RIP My Precious Katie - I Love You

02-05-2006, 07:24 PM	#10
Judith Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 12	Molly is doing well! Hi, again, Molly is doing very well. I started her on Nutrical and her eyes are brighter than ever. She wears a halter, which I take off when she is inside. I never rub her throat...If she starts "honking" I rub her head and try to get her to look up and extend her neck. So far so good. She does love to eat, though, and seems to be hungry most of the time-which is a problem because I don't want her to gain any more weight. She still sleeps a lot and snores sometimes, which is cute but probably not healthy. Thanks to everyone who said prayers for her. Molly's Mom

02-05-2006, 08:51 PM	#11
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	Judith, I am so sorry to hear about Molly. There are so many Yorkies with this condition. It is being diagnosed at an alarming rate. I do not know if you would be interested, but the vet school at the Univ. of PA has a vet working with a hooman anesthesiologist and the 2 are working on the most advanced procedures to help with this condition. If you got your baby from a local breeder, I would advise you just give them a heads up about it...It might just be getting started in the lines..Best of luck with her care..

02-06-2006, 02:56 AM	#12
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	Bless her heart...another trick to get them to stop "honking" is to gently place your fingers over her nostrils - I kind of tap my fingers right on their little nose over their nostrils........it's to get them to take a breath thru their mouths. When my girls get excited or drink too fast sometimes they do that and this has really helped to stop them from 'honking"...Wishing you the VERY Best to you and Molly... __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

02-06-2006, 12:44 PM	#13
heather_lathrop Gizmo and Gidget's Pet Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,326	I don't have any advise to help you. But I just want to say what a wonderful person you are for adopting her, and giving her the best life possible. I will say a prayer for her, and for you during your time of trouble. __________________ Heather & Max - In honor of my sweet Ayden!

02-06-2006, 03:12 PM	#15
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA Posts: 7,178	Oh Judith, I'm so sorry about Molly having a collapsed trachea...I don't have any advice for you other than what's already been said but just wanted to tell you that I'll keep Molly in our thoughts and prayers. __________________ Miko 's his Mommy