My dog needs a permanent tracheostomy. What's life like for them?

Hello! No, this procedure should not kill a dog with a collapsing trachea. The anesthetic tube would keep the trachea open and prevent it from collapsing, allowing for better breathing during the procedure. Sometimes, the tube can cause a small amount of local inflammation that could exacerbate a cough, but this generally resolves on its own quickly. I hope you find this helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

You should discuss your concerns with your vet - as well as other options such as syringe feedign. Feeding tubes do require some maintenance and must be kept clean and protected from being chewed by the patient or other dogs at home, monitored for blockage or becoming displaced. If only being used for temporary supplemental feeding they would not be permanent

Yes, it's very possible that Norah may have been born with a slightly narrowed trachea. This is called a hypoplastic trachea - it's most common in English bulldogs and other short-nosed breeds, but can occur in any breed. Many dogs never have any symptoms or problems at all, and the tracheal size sometimes increases a bit as the puppy grows. Dogs with this problem can sometimes have trouble tolerating heat or intense exercise because they can't pant as effectively, so it would be a good idea to keep an eye on her when it's hot out to make sure she isn't distressed. Obesity can also make this problem worse, so make sure that Norah stays nice and slim. Otherwise, if she's not showing any symptoms of a problem, there's no reason that she can't have a perfectly normal life with no issues at all.

If it has been going on for years it is probably a collapsing trachea, in which case there is not much that can be done about it. There are medications that can be used to minimize the cough but it will not "fix" the problem. There is a surgery that can be done to place a stent in the trachea which is curative. A collapsing trachea is not a huge problem other than uncomfortable for them to cough. It should not cause any major issues. You can ask your vet to do a trial of medication to see if it helps and if it does, you can keep her on them long term. ( https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/collapsing-trachea-dogs-everything-you-need-know )

Hello, sorry to hear about Blue. Laryngeal paralysis is a disease in which the arterytinoid cartilages of the larynx have a decreased function or completely stop moving. These cartilages are moved via contraction of the muscles that are innarvated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Several reasons may cause this nerve to stop working and thus lead to laryngeal paralysis. Causes include trauma, a neck mass, hypothyroidism, or most commonly we cannot determine a cause and it’s termed idiopathic. Complications from having laryngeal paralysis include coughing, voice tone changes, and respiratory obstruction that could lead to death. The tie back procedure permanently tacks one of these aretynoid cartilages in an open position. The surgery relieve respiratory distress and most often decreases or stops the coughing all together. The surgery itself is very successful, however you pet permanently had an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. Any signs of coughing warrant an evaluation by a veterinarian and chest x-rays. Your dog will not be allowed to swim and should be kept in a low stress, low exercise environment to avoid him getting worked up or inhaling water while swimming as his air way will be permanently partially open. Hope this helps and I wish Blue a speedy recovery

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Rusty has an elongated soft palate, the surgery will definitely help him breathe easier. I would have the surgery done if this is the recommendation so that the flap does not obstruct the airway. The anesthesia is typically not the problem it is the recovery period when the tube is removed from the airway that the breathing problems can occur. Once the tube is in place for Rusty to attach the anesthesia to, it will probably be the best that he has ever been able to breathe if he has been dealing with an elongated soft palate. Typically with these cases, I will leave the airway tube in place until the patient is wide awake and can hold the head up. Once the patient is awake and able to swallow, I then pull the tube. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Eddie's trachea could be irritated from the ET tube used during the dental procedure. Keep a close eye on him, and if this continues over the next 24 hours or he has trouble breathing, take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.