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Is anesthesia safe for dogs with collapsing trachea for dental work?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 6 months old | 3.6 lbs

ADVICE NEEDED: Looking for opinion of vets with experience of collapsing trachea and anesthesia in dogs. Bella has moderate collapsing trachea and will need to be put under to remove at least one tooth that is loose. Also has a small pink lump against it. She was diagnosed a few years ago with the trachea and rarely even coughs. She had a cleaning and extraction last March and we had zero issues after. I am worried that we got lucky last time. Is this very risky for her? Anyone with experience?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 2nd, 2017

Collapsing trachea is not usually a huge issue with anesthesia. While under anesthesia, Bella will have an endotracheal tube in her airway which will keep her trachea open, preventing collapse. The only potential issues associated with this condition come during recovery if Bella becomes overexcited as she wakes up from anesthesia. Her vet will be able to monitor her and give mild sedatives during recovery if needed. Personally, I do not worry extensively about anesthetizing dogs with known collapsing tracheas provided that they have no other systemic diseases or cardiovascular problems. I hope that all goes well for Bella!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 14th, 2017
I Deleigh the endotracheal tube does not go past the bottom of the neck so it may not even go where her collapsing trachea is. That may help prevent irritation to the area. However I would expect Bella to have increased coughing after the procedure not due to her collapsing trachea but just do that in a tracheal tube causing mild inflammation. Your veterinarian should monitor Bella closely before during and after the procedure and likely won't send her home and less they feel comfortable that she is going to be OK breathing wise.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 2nd, 2017
Hello

General anesthesia is a safe procedure for most pets as long as the proper precautions are taken including close monitoring both before during and after the procedure. With Bella's history I would be sure to discuss this with the veterinarian who will be doing the procedure. This is because with her having an abnormal airway she is it slightly greater risk for complications such as coughing, low oxygen levels afterwords, and worsening of her condition. However during the procedure she should have an endotracheal tube which were actually keep her airway open. The main concern would be for after the procedure. The veterinarian that is going to be doing this procedure may want to take x-raysreevaluate her trachea.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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