I'll post this here, too, then.
TRACHEA COLLAPSE
There can be a weakness in the trachea and if it collapses the dog cannot breathe. Emergency surgery and inserting plastic devices or coils can be done in some cases to keep the dog alive. This can be caused by severe hacking from a cold or it can be a congenital thing.
Symptoms -- A loud honking, dry cough. Gasping, unable to breath.
http://www.shooterdog.com/alexfaq3.htm