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My dog has labored breathing. Is tracheal surgery common? What causes mineralization?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bully | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 30 lbs

I have a 1 y/o american bully (pocket). We have had him since he was 8 wks old. Always has had labored breathing, but just attributed it to his short snout. Recently took him to a specialist due to his labored breathing appears to be getting worse. X-rays revealed tracheal narrowing with mineralizations. They said his tracheal flaps aren’t moving in their own and they want to permanently suture one flap open. Is this a common surgery? Also what could be the cause of this mineralization?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 5th, 2019

Yes, this is a pretty common surgery called a "tie back". I suggest you have it done if the specialist has recommended it. The mineralization is nothing to be concerned about - it is a very common finding although usually in older dogs. No one is quite sure why the body deposits the minerals in the tissue although it is suspected to be due to inflammation.

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