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Tracheal Perforation in Dogs
What is Tracheal Perforation?
A tear or hole in the trachea is known more commonly as tracheal perforation or tracheal tear. This condition, at its worst, allows for air to get trapped in pockets under the skin, in the chest cavity and abdominal cavity, between the lungs, and in the sac around the heart. In those instances, surgery is more likely to occur. In more benign cases, small punctures and tears require very little attention from your dog’s medical staff, though it’s always a good idea to have your animal companion checked by a medical profession.
A hole in the trachea in dogs is a condition caused by trauma or injury. It is, in some cases, self-healing. More serious cases may require surgical intervention.Tracheal Perforation Average Cost
From 5 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$3,500
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Symptoms of Tracheal Perforation in Dogs
Since tracheal perforation is caused by injury, any of the following symptoms may become apparent immediately following trauma and up to 14 days later:
- Pockets of palpable air under the skin
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Signs of external trauma or holes in the neck region
- Malaise
- Vomiting
- Anorexia (lack of appetite)
- Gagging
- Unusual salivation
- Coughing
- Shock
Types
- Penetration or puncture wound
- Perforation
Causes of Tracheal Perforation in Dogs
There are a number of things that can cause a hole in the trachea in dogs, including:
- Punctures from bite wounds, hunting accidents, sticks, etc. These type of punctures will appear as small or medium-sized holes in the neck of the dog.
- Accidental perforation can occur during medical procedures. The most common causes include perforation during intubation, transtracheal saline washes, during the administration of anesthesia, and during dental procedures. In these cases, you will not notice any physical signs of damage to your dog’s neck, though you may see small pockets of air forming in your dogs skin.
- Blunt trauma, such as being struck by a car or object., falling down the stairs or from a point of high elevation. There are obvious signs of injury and distress here, and this is considered a medical emergency.
Diagnosis of Tracheal Perforation in Dogs
The path to diagnosis begins with a physical examination during which your veterinarian will look for tenderness in the neck region of your dog and any visible wounds. Your doctor will also listen to your dog’s lungs and heart, and check for air pockets under your dog’s coat if a hole in the trachea is suspected.
A variety of medical tests are used to confirm diagnosis, such as:
- Complete blood count (CBC) to rule out inflammation and infection
- Biochemistry profile to check kidney, liver and pancreas function
- Urinalysis to gauge kidney function and look for signs of dehydration
- Arterial blood gas analysis to measure blood oxygenation
- Pulse oximetry to check for low oxygen saturation
- X-rays of neck and chest to confirm air pockets under the skin, free air in the chest cavity and/or air in the area around the heart
- Abdominal X-rays may be used to see air that has been trapped in the abdominal cavity
- Tracheoscopy, a procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of the trachea and lower airways, may be performed to confirm tracheal tears, rips or holes.
A positive diagnosis is generally confirmed with a combination of X-rays and, if needed, tracheoscopy, though the latter is less common as it can cause further injury and inflammation to the trachea.
Treatment of Tracheal Perforation in Dogs
Treatment varies widely, of course, depending on the extent of the injury and general health of the dog. Possible treatments include:
- Tracheal perforation with signs of oxygen deficiency generally requires hospitalization, during which your dog may receive oxygen therapy and rest.
- Small tears and perforations caused by medical procedures usually heal on their own and rarely require hospitalization or treatment, with the exception of mild painkillers.
- Blunt force trauma injuries will need to be evaluated extensively. Dogs that are physically unstable, have difficulty breathing, or are leaking large amounts of air under their skin rapidly will require immediate surgery to close deep wounds, repair tracheal damage, and remove air pockets.
Most dogs will be given a prescription strength pain medication and, if an infection is present, a course of antibiotics. Most trapped air under the skin will be reabsorbed without intervention though large pockets of air or those that do not heal on their own may require a tubal drain system to be implanted under the skin.
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Recovery of Tracheal Perforation in Dogs
Follow-up appointments are a requirement for this type of injury if your dog has had a surgical procedure performed. Your doctor will want to see your dog several times post-surgery to watch for signs of infection and monitor healing.
Dogs with minor injuries that heal on their own may require one follow-up visit though your veterinarian will decide that your dog’s course of treatment.
Dogs should be prohibited from exercising for at least 7 to 10 days following treatment.
Cost of Tracheal Perforation in Dogs
Since the severity of this condition varies widely and, in many cases, spontaneously heals on its own, the costs associated with treatment vary widely. Average costs run from $78 to $3,880, including office visits, medications, and surgery.
Tracheal Perforation Average Cost
From 5 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$3,500
Top
Tracheal Perforation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepard Rott mix
Two Years
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
My dog is coughing and hacking like she has a fur ball in her throat but nothing comes up , when she eats it sounds like she’s straining to breathe and chokes constantly . This started about 2 days ago .
Aug. 28, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
12 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. It would be best to have her evaluated by your veterinarian if she is coughing frequently. It could be something very simple such as an upper respiratory tract infection, but there are more serious causes of coughing including heart disease, heartworms, pneumonia, or foreign bodies in the respiratory tract. Your veterinarian will be able to evaluate her and decide if x-rays are needed to rule out a more serious cause. Your veterinarian can then provide appropriate treatment. I hope she recovers quickly.
Aug. 28, 2020
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Chihuahua
1 1/2
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Has Always Coughed After Drinking, From 7 Weeks Old. Now Acts Like Something Is Caught In His Throat And Was Gagging At First. Now Just Bobs His Head Constantly As If Throat Is Irritated. Periodically Acts As If He Has Hair Balls Out Of Nowhere.
See above
Aug. 8, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
3 Recommendations
So sorry to hear about your dog. This can be many different things. Without being able to examine your dog it is very hard to tell. There are many respiratory and neurological issues that chihuahuas can have that would cause these issues. Your vet would be able to examine your dog and figure out exactly what is causing her issues. I hope your dog starts to improve soon.
Aug. 11, 2020
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Tracheal Perforation Average Cost
From 5 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$3,500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
