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My senior dog's collapsing trachea cough is worsening. What's next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Male | neutered | 9 years and 5 months old | 14.5 lbs

I have a min pin X about 9 years old. Diagnosed with collapsing trachea 6 years ago. Been doing meds. Recently, his coughing is worse, Coughs with no activity also. Sounds like a person with pneumonia often. Any ideas/suggestions?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 5th, 2016

Have Choco rechecked by your veterinarian. An exam and chest xrays should be done to rule out respiratory infection or an enlarged heart. Either can account for the progressive cough. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) can be done to assess cardiac architecture and function.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The coughing may not be from the collapsing trachea, but Choco may be suffering from a heart condition, which is common in older dogs. In congestive heart failure the heart is not effectively pumping blood and therefore excess fluid remains in the lung tissue. This will make your dog trying to cough that extra fluid up. Please take Choco to your veterinarian for an exam. Observe, whether he also coughs when sleeping. Your vet will want to do x-rays and a blood test and may recommend a heart ultrasound.

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