Patty, you're doing the right thing, learn all you can about your options, then do what you think best for Dexter. Best wishes. Gloria P In a message dated 8/21/2008 4:19:10 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Hi everyone, I had posted previously about my 5 yr old chi, Dexter. He was coughing/gagging when he drank, played, or just got excited. I took him to the vet and after xrays was diagnosed with tracheal collapse. This is common in small dogs and can be genetic. My choices for treatment are not good. It will continue to worsen and someday the trachea may not open and he will die from no air. Since it is structural, medicine wont help. My only option is surgery and there is no guarantee that once the area is fixed, there won't be another collapse in another part of the trachea. Surgery will be very expensive and would have to be done in a larger city than I live in. The money is'nt the issue though. I just don't know what to do for him. I am going to consult with a surgeon and get a second opinion. I can't stop crying, it seems hopeless right now. Has anyone else had this problem with their dog? Has anyone had the surgery? This group is great and I enjoy reading the posts. Dexter's mommy, Patty **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)

