My 2 1/2 year old shih tzu is having problems with a collapsing trachea. My vet has recommended a pretty radical treatment that makes me uncomfortable. Do any of you have experience with this? If so, what have you found to be effective? She is not in a collar; she is in a harness that seems to have helped some. Your help is appreciated - thanks.

Collapsing tracheas are common in small dogs, my sisters Pomeranian had it and my Jack Russell had a partial collapse. Not nice, I can imagine how you feel. My dog lived to 15 1/2yrs with hers and died of something unrelated, so I don't think its the end of the world. The only treatment I have heard of is placing replacement "rings" inside the trachea to keep open the airway, how successful this is or whether I would of chosen this option for my dog is questionable, but in such a young dog, it could be worth researching. Good luck.
Dawn.

my dog too is suffering from a collapsing trachea..she's a 3 month old  pug... my vet said the surgeries usually don't work, but i don't know what i will do.... does it affect their lifespan at all?  she coughs like she has a hairball once in awhile...any info will be great!

what are the symptoms please? Im still trying to get to the bottom of Crackers occassional coughing after he has drunk water. He also occassionally makes a funny noise like he is trying to get his breath back, like a really loud inhaling sound, quite quick, and no more than 3 times in a row. My vet has said he may grow out of it and is reluctant to do an operation to have a look. Any info or ideas or experiences are much appreciated!