The upper airway in dogs consists of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. There are a variety of problems that can affect the upper airway and compromise the normal flow of air.
A particular set of upper airway abnormalities can affect the Norwich Terrier. They can include: everted laryngeal saccules, elongated soft palates, collapsing trachea, enlarged tonsils and rarely stenotic nares. These dogs can have any or all of these conditions. Sometimes these problems compromise respiration to such an extent that surgical intervention is required.
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of upper airway syndrome may include some or all of the following:
Open mouth breathing
Noisy breathing
Excessive snoring
Choking and gagging
Cyanosis (blue-tinged color due to lack of oxygen)
Exercise intolerance
(Symptoms are often exacerbated during hot and humid weather. Obesity can also worsen clinical signs.)
and lastly.....
the Norwich may show absolutely NO SYMPTOMS at all and still have UAS!!
A diagnosis is made by visual examination of the total upper airway system: The nares (nostrils), soft palate, larynx, trachea and sometimes even including the lungs.. Laryngeal examinations may need to be performed with the aid of LIGHT sedation or anesthesia.
1.) Everted Laryngeal Saccules
(most common problem)
The laryngeal saccules are small sacs of tissue that normally sit just within of the vocal folds. The purpose of these saccules are to resonate sound. But when EVERTED (protruding outwardly) into the trachea (windpipe) they can expand to such a degree that they compromise airflow through the upper airway making it much harder to fill their lungs with air. This decreases the pressure in the upper airway even more and literally pulls the saccules into the airway. When everted, the saccules sit just in front of the opening to the trachea and block the flow of air. The treatment for this problem is excision (removal) of the saccules. "The reason for the saccule problem is unclear causing breeders to attribute blame to multiple causes. Because Norwich Terriers are not a brachycephalic breed they do not have the upper airway disease changes that are the usual cause for the everted saccules." (from an article written July 2007 by Dr. William Schultz, DVM - principal veterinarian in the Norwich Norfolk Terrier Club research project Upper Airway Syndrome in the Norwich Terrier.)
2. Enlarged Tonsils
Sometimes the tonsils become enlarged for whatever reason (infection is the most common) and protrude into the airway, this also can cause labored and stressful breathing. Often when in conjunction with other Upper Airway maladies, the veterinarian will elect to remove them.
3.) Elongated Soft Palate
The soft palate in dogs can sometimes be too long for the length of the mouth. Clinical signs include snoring as the free end of the soft palate flaps during respiration. If the soft palate is long enough, it will hang down into the airway just in front of the opening to the trachea (windpipe) and prevent air from flowing normally. (Of the three conditions affecting the upper airway of brachycephalic dogs, this is probably the most serious since airflow can be completely obstructed-remove this sentience) The treatment for this condition is to surgically excise (remove) the excess palatine tissue. This procedure shortens the palate and prevents interference with the flow of air.
4.) Collapsing Trachea
The trachea (windpipe) is a rigid structure composed of numerous cartilaginous rings. In some small breed dogs, particularly the miniature breeds, the cartilage of the trachea degenerates over time. When this occurs, the trachea becomes soft and flaccid and is prone to collapse during respiration. On inspiration, the cervical trachea collapses. On expiration, the trachea in the chest collapses. It is critical to diagnose not only tracheal collapse, but also the location of the collapse.
The most common symptom of collapsing trachea is a chronic, dry, hacking (honking) cough. In severe cases there may be exercise intolerance, cyanosis, asphyxia, and death. Clinical signs are often worse in hot and humid weather and are exacerbated by obesity and concurrent airway problems.
A tentative diagnosis of collapsing trachea is made based on history and physical examination. A cough may be elicited on palpation of the trachea. Radiographs (x-rays) may demonstrate the collapse. A definitive diagnosis may require the use of fluoroscopy, an x-ray technique that allows the doctor to observe the trachea during respiration in real time on a television screen. (again we don't want to bore or SCARE an interested person with too much info, especially if they are not sure they have a problem.
Only the most severe cases are treated surgically. Most respond to correction of the other problems noted here or to medications. Weight loss and correction of concurrent airway disorders may alleviate a significant portion of the problem. Cough suppressants and anti inflammatory medications (corticosteroids) are often beneficial as is avoidance of stress and environmental irritants.
If you would like further information or to participate in the Norwich Norfolk Terrier Club's research on UAS please feel free to contact:
Sue Lawrence
NNTC Research Chair on UAS in the Norwich Terrier
21140 Van Buren St.
Southfield, MI 48034
(All information will remain anonymous unless expressed permission is given otherwise.)
Dog's name & age