Several techniques are used to diagnose tracheal collapse. During a physical exam, the veterinarian will assess whether the trachea is sensitive to palpation, which, in cases of collapse, also may induce coughing. Additionally, a thorough oral exam under anesthesia commonly is performed. Both inspiratory and expiratory x-rays are taken of the chest and the cervical trachea, or the part of the trachea within the neck, in order to define the area that is affected. Often, the dog's general health will be screened using blood and urine tests.
Because there are other disorders that obstruct the upper airways, the veterinarian may need to rule out these diseases before making a diagnosis of tracheal collapse. However, more advanced diagnostic procedures such as bronchoscopy, blood gas analysis, and fluoroscopy require referral to a veterinary internist or teaching hospital. Fluoroscopy is a real time x-ray that demonstrates the movement of the trachea as the dog is breathing.
