Chi News First Aid

Pet First Aid & CPR classes are offered by the Savannah Chapter of the Red Cross. Thanks to the donation of CPR supplies and mannequins by Coastal Pet Rescue, the four-hour classes at 906 Drayton Street teach basic first aid and how to perform CPR on your pet. Cost is $35. For details and pre-registration, go to

Collapsing Trachea: Causes & Prevention

Pet First Aid & CPR Classes

The trachea, or windpipe, is a flexible cartilage tube that connects a dog�s mouth to the lungs. When the trachea is not sufficiently rigid, it begins to flatten or collapse, which causes breathing difficulties.

December 2005

    Congenital cartilage abnormalities and a thin trachea predispose dogs to tracheal collapse. Toy dogs have more fragile tracheas than larger dogs and are therefore most prone to this condition. As the smallest breed overall, it is not surprising that Chihuahuas have the highest incidence of collapsing trachea
     Symptoms: The main symptom is a dry, honking cough which occurs when the dog tries to open its blocked airway. The cough can be aggravated by exercise, stress, pressure from a collar, and drinking or eating. Because coughing�and also barking�tend to irritate and further weaken the trachea, the condition progressively worsens. The result is increased coughing, gagging, shortness of breath when exercising, and sometime fainting. Severe cases are life threatening. (Note: If the dog becomes unable to breathe, briefly hold his mouth closed while blowing into his nostrils in an attempt to partially open the trachea. Of course, rush your pet to a vet.)
     Contributing Factors: Tracheal collapse is generally seen in older dogs but occasionally in young ones. Contributing factors are excessive weight, use of a collar with leash, respiratory infection, cigarette smoke and other air pollutants, and an enlarged heart.
     Treatment: Have a dog with symptoms examined by a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. A collapsing trachea can generally be controlled through a weight-loss diet, the elimination of air pollutants, a low-stress routine, and moderate exercise. It is highly recommended that a proper harness (not the type with a strap across the throat) rather than a collar be used when walking the dog. Cough suppressants and mild sedatives can also be helpful. Surgery may be recommended in severe cases; it should only be performed by someone experienced in the procedure.
    Prevention: Take the following three simple steps to minimize the chances of your Chi developing a collapsing trachea: (1) use a proper harness instead of a collar when walking your dog, (2) control your dog's diet to ensure that he or she is not overweight, and (3) minimize your dog's exposure to cigarette smoke and other air pollutants.

Sources: Dog Owner�s Home Veterinary Handbook, 3rd ed., J. Giffin, MD & L. Carlson, DVM (Hungry Minds, 2000); Hound Health Handbook, B. Brevitz, DVM (Workman Publishing, 2004); and The Chihuahua Handbook, D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. (Barron�s, 2000).

NEWS

A new canine flu has developed from a virus that infects horses, and it is spreading rapidly in the U.S. Because dogs have no natural immunity against the flu virus and there is no vaccine against it, virtually every dog exposed will become infected.
Symptoms are a persistent cough that may be accompanied by lethargy, fever and nasal discharge. Most infected dogs have mild or no symptoms, but about 20% of cases are serious and pneumonia may develop. The fatality rate is estimated at 5%. If you suspect your dog has contracted the flu, take him to a vet for testing and possible treatment with antibiotics.

www.savannahredcross.org/training.asp .

Contagious Canine Flu Spreading