Tuffy has CT (collapsed trachea)

[mimimomo]

CT doesn't always show up on x-rays. If he's having an attack during the x-ray it's more likely that it'll show, but that's not always the case. What the vet did, rubbing his throat is how they check for CT. It's good that you're getting a second opinion. Surgery would be the last resort & it is a condition that can be controlled w/the correct environment (like you said temp) & meds/diet. Like 17rosebuds said, many pups develop stronger thracheas as they get older, hopefully Tuffy will be ok. Please keep us posted on the little guy.

[normarae63]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

CT doesn't always show up on x-rays. If he's having an attack during the x-ray it's more likely that it'll show, but that's not always the case. What the vet did, rubbing his throat is how they check for CT. It's good that you're getting a second opinion. Surgery would be the last resort & it is a condition that can be controlled w/the correct environment (like you said temp) & meds/diet. Like 17rosebuds said, many pups develop stronger thracheas as they get older, hopefully Tuffy will be ok. Please keep us posted on the little guy.

Jenny, Hi!
I'd read that about the xrays on 1 of those dogtor sites (wish I had saved everything I've found since it may've helped someone else ). In fact, DH told me last night he's worried about me because ever since we got our lil guy he says I'm online here & researching more than I sleep! I pray that he turns out to be one of the lucky ones that doesn't require surgery but also wanted to assure anyone who may be concerned that whatever it takes we'll do it.

[TraceyAnn]

Hi Jen,
my tucker has ct, & I've been reading for the past 18 months, here's what I do or what I've found out. He gets 25mg,theophylline, to open his airways, some believe it doesn't help opening airways below the ct, but I think it helps him, on high pollen days he gets an allergy tab. this works well, it dries him up, he also takes formula cv, it's supposed to strengthen the ticker, belief is that lack of air from CT, is hard on the heart, he also gets nupro powder vitamins in his food, I think that makes me feel better, giving him a little extra something.. I keep changing foods trying to find the best. Some recommend vitamin c and glucosamine, it's not proven to rebuild the trachea but it also doesn't hurt. If your dog needs an inhaler, you can make a mask out of a dixie cup, it's better than a pediatric mask. I buy my meds online, the inhaler is 150.00 in a drug store, only 50 online. I don't even give him the inhaler anymore. It was getting him crabby, and the pills work well. Don't rush into surgery, the outcomes aren't that good. I gave up on that option. The best vets. are in tenessee, tuckers ct is in his chest, worse place, they use stents there, and there's alot of complications with them. If in the throat area, rings are used, better way to go. Remember age is a biggy, under 6 is better, BUT do you really want to take the chance, you want the best, but the best doesn't have a good prognosis rate. There's many dogs out there on meds. and they live decent lives. You just need to find the right formula that works for your dog. Don't give up, you will find it. Maybe one day soon they will perfect the surgery and I'll be right there in line with you!!! Take Care, Tracey

[Princes mom]

Originally Posted by normarae63

Our vet massaged his throat to verify the CT. I plan to talk with the vet about Tuffys' parents since they visit the same vet. If the vet can verify that either of them has CT, I'll go back to the person I bought him from to see what can be done.

Only an x-ray can verify CT.

[Princes mom]

Originally Posted by TraceyAnn

Hi Jen,
my tucker has ct, & I've been reading for the past 18 months, here's what I do or what I've found out. He gets 25mg,theophylline, to open his airways, some believe it doesn't help opening airways below the ct, but I think it helps him, on high pollen days he gets an allergy tab. this works well, it dries him up, he also takes formula cv, it's supposed to strengthen the ticker, belief is that lack of air from CT, is hard on the heart, he also gets nupro powder vitamins in his food, I think that makes me feel better, giving him a little extra something.. I keep changing foods trying to find the best. Some recommend vitamin c and glucosamine, it's not proven to rebuild the trachea but it also doesn't hurt. If your dog needs an inhaler, you can make a mask out of a dixie cup, it's better than a pediatric mask. I buy my meds online, the inhaler is 150.00 in a drug store, only 50 online. I don't even give him the inhaler anymore. It was getting him crabby, and the pills work well. Don't rush into surgery, the outcomes aren't that good. I gave up on that option. The best vets. are in tenessee, tuckers ct is in his chest, worse place, they use stents there, and there's alot of complications with them. If in the throat area, rings are used, better way to go. Remember age is a biggy, under 6 is better, BUT do you really want to take the chance, you want the best, but the best doesn't have a good prognosis rate. There's many dogs out there on meds. and they live decent lives. You just need to find the right formula that works for your dog. Don't give up, you will find it. Maybe one day soon they will perfect the surgery and I'll be right there in line with you!!! Take Care, Tracey

Good post. I'll be in line also.

[normarae63]

Just to let you all know, Tuffy hasn't had any episodes this week at all. He's been active & we've been in both warm & cool climates so maybe changing his harness was the trick & it just took awhile for his trachea to calm down?

[mimimomo]

Great news! Hope Tuffy's trachea continues to get stronger!

[normarae63]

Thanks Jenny...BTW, we'll be home tuesday; I can't WAIT to try out his new brushes!