My first yorkie, Chelsea, had CT. She never wore a collar ever, and never had a weight or any other medical issue. The vet said a weak trachea is inherited, much like poor eyesight is in humans. She was diagnosed by physical exam and X-ray when she was just a couple of years old. It was managed for many years by regular exercise, and training her not to become over-excited, as that would set off coughing fits.
The vet said her later enlarged heart and accompanying bulldog type stance was a result of the CT. Difficulty breathing causes the heart to enlarge. Years later, my dad has COPD (emphysema) and his breathing difficulties (30% lung capacity) have also caused his heart issues and enlargement of his rib/chest area as the disease has progresses, so it now makes sense to me.
Chelsea lived 12 years with her CT, didn't require meds until her last few years and it didn't seriously affect the quality of life until her last three months.
__________________ (ZoE  )(Chelsea ) |