ASPECTOS ANATOMOPATOLÓGIOS DO COLAPSO TRAQUEAL EM CÃES

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1702318123

• Palavras-chave: Diagnóstico; lúmen traqueal; morfofisiologia; tosse seca

• Keywords: Diagnosis; tracheal lumen; morphophysiology; dry cough

• Abstract: Tracheal collapse is an obstruction in the trachea itself, caused by sagging and flattening of the cartilage, which reduces the size of the tracheal lumen, interfering with the entry of air into the lungs. The canine trachea is a structure of the respiratory system consisting of a series of hyaline cartilages shaped like a “C” and are connected by ligaments. In each animal species, the of tracheal cartilage for example, the canine species typically has between 42 and 46 cartilages. There are spaces between the tracheal cartilages that are not located dorsally. These spaces are covered by the transverse tracheal muscle and connective tissue. In dogs, the tracheal muscle that joins the ends of the cartilages and fills the gaps between the cartilaginous rings is situated externally. Canine tracheal collapse occurs due to a flattening of the dorsum-ventral region of the trachea due to a change in its cartilaginous semi-rings, forming wide open arches, and also due to relaxation of the tracheal smooth muscles that support them. As a consequence of this process, there is a reduction in the tracheal lumen, making the trachea prone to collapse and breathing difficulties. Understanding the anatomopathological aspects of tracheal collapse in dogs provides veterinarians a greater comprehension of the etiopathogenesis of this disease, which is not yet fully understood. Therefore, this chapter proposes to address the occurrence of tracheal collapse in dogs, emphasizing its anatomopathological aspects assessing the degree of tracheal obstruction, thus leading to the most appropriate treatment protocol for each situation experienced in veterinary practice.