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My dog has blue tongue, breathing issues. Is it collapsing trachea?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 8 lbs

For over a week my dog has had trouble breathing & wakes up with a blue tongue (during the day isn't as blue as it is when she wakes up but some blueness is still visible, sometimes appears whiteish blue or there are a few white slashes on it ). She has been energetic some days,but others she seems a bit more lethargic. we took her to the vet and we were told she had possibility of collapsing trachea (asthma/allergy) & she was given a shot which didn't help. theres small soft bumps in her neck.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

Poor girl. Collapsing trachea is easily diagnosed with a chest radiograph (x-ray). I would request this test to be done. The vet can also assess Princess's heart to make sure she doesn't have underlying heart disease.
If she does have collapsing trachea as the underlying cause, then she should be started on medicaitons (cough suppressants, potential steroids, bronchodilators, etc) to take at home to possibly help with this. However these will only provide some relief. The only way to provide a more effective treatment for this condition is surgical correction of the section of collapsed trachea.
Here is more information on tracheal collapse in pets. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1527
I hope that you are able to get Princess some relief soon. Best wishes and take care.
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