Hot weather can worsen your Chihuahua’s coughing.
Abnormal breathing sounds include clicking when breathing out and wheezing when breathing in. [6] X Research source Difficulty breathing can lead to cyanosis, which occurs when the skin or mucus membranes don’t get enough oxygen and turn blue.
During the physical exam, your veterinarian will probably touch your Chihuahua’s trachea to stimulate a cough. [9] X Research source In addition to x-rays, your veterinarian may want to use other visual diagnostic methods (e. g. , fluoroscopy, endoscopy, bronchoscopy) to get a closer look at your Chihuahua’s airways and determine if his airway is infected with bacteria. [10] X Research source
It is best to start with medical management, then consider surgery if the condition worsens. [12] X Research source Your veterinarian will go through each of the medications with you and indicate which ones will likely work best for your Chihuahua.
The length of hospitalization will depend on how long it takes your veterinarian to stabilize your Chihuahua and get him well enough for home care.
The strain of coughing could damage the sensitive lining of your Chihuahua’s airways. Anti-inflammatory medications will reduce the damage and inflammation. The bronchi are the two main branches of the trachea that bring air into the lungs. [16] X Research source Bronchial spasms cause the bronchi to become narrow. [17] X Research source Medications to relax the airways and relieve the spasms are called bronchodilators. They open up the bronchial airways and relax the lung muscles. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If your veterinarian found a respiratory infection, he or she will prescribe antibiotics. [19] X Research source The medications may take a few days to start working. Once they start working, you will start to see definite improvement in your Chihuahua’s breathing.
Veterinary surgeons at veterinary teaching hospitals and specialized veterinary surgery clinics are board certified. Consider asking your veterinarian for recommendations on veterinary surgeons.
Not all dogs would benefit from surgery. Older dogs, dogs with other serious medical problems, and those with a large percentage of their trachea affected would not make good surgical candidates. [25] X Research source
It may be difficult for your veterinary surgeon to know how likely any of these risks will be with your Chihuahua. However, the more experienced the surgeon is with collapsing trachea treatment, the less likely your Chihuahua will have serious surgical complications.
