Obesity- Part 2; Respiratory Complications

Obesity has direct effects on the respiratory systems- with humans and canines. When humans have extra adipose tissue (fat)- this restricts their ability to move air through their bodies. This adipose tissue also causes pressure on their trachea at night- causing obstructive sleep apnea. Thankfully CPAP machines assist humans so their airways do not cut off their oxygen supply while sleeping. 

In dogs- extra adipose tissue can cause the same types of pressure on their airway. If a dog has a weaker trachea, this extra fat can place pressure on an already stressed area- causing the dogs airway to become smaller in diameter. This is referred to as trachea collapse. Dogs will not be able to exercise without being short of breath. This limits the ability for the dog to lose weight because they don’t tolerate exercise. There is a surgical intervention- which places a stent in the trachea to keep it from decreasing in diameter. This is a costly surgical intervention. The best treatment is preventative- keep your dog from becoming overweight. Below is a diagram of different grades of tracheal collapse in dogs.