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How Tracheal Collapse Is Diagnosed

Exam And History

Your vet listens to the chest and neck and may gently press the trachea to see whether it sets off the cough.

X-Rays

Plain X-rays are a snapshot. Because the airway changes shape with each breath, X-rays can miss collapse or underestimate it.

Fluoroscopy

A live X-ray video shows the trachea while the dog breathes and coughs. Many hospitals that place stents use it.

Bronchoscopy

A camera passed into the airway under anesthesia shows the collapse directly and lets the vet take samples for infection or inflammation (UC Davis veterinary hospital).

Ruling Out Other Causes

Heart disease, bronchitis, and larynx problems can cause similar signs or happen at the same time. Your vet may suggest heart tests too.