Maltese Dogs: Reverse Sneezing vs Collapsed Trachea Explained

If you're considering welcoming a Maltese puppies or adopting an older Maltese, understanding their respiratory quirks is essential. Two conditions often cause concern: reverse sneezing and collapsed trachea. While these may sound alarming, knowing how to recognise and respond to each can make all the difference in your dog's wellbeing.

What is Reverse Sneezing in Maltese Dogs?

Reverse sneezing is a harmless reflex causing sudden, loud snorting, honking, or gasping sounds. It happens when the soft tissues in the throat (pharynx) spasm, resulting in rapid inhalation through the nose.

Typical triggers include:

• Excitement or sudden activity
• Eating or drinking quickly
• Pulling on the lead
• Exposure to irritants like pollen, dust, or smoke

Episodes usually last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes and often stop when the dog gently swallows or when you massage their throat. Fresh air can also help soothe them.

Importantly, reverse sneezing, while startling, is not dangerous and typically doesn’t need veterinary treatment unless episodes become very frequent or severe.

Understanding Collapsed Trachea

Collapsed trachea is a more serious condition where the tracheal rings, which normally keep a dog’s windpipe open, weaken or deform. This leads to partial airway collapse, which can cause difficulty breathing.

Maltese dogs and other small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Lhasa Apsos, and Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed due to their delicate tracheal cartilage.

Common signs include:

• Frequent, harsh, dry cough sometimes described as a "goose honk"
• Wheezing or gagging sounds
• Breathing difficulties, especially after exercise or excitement
• Cough triggered by excitement or pressure on the throat

If untreated, the condition may worsen over time and can affect your dog’s quality of life, sometimes alongside heart complications.

How to Tell Reverse Sneezing from Collapsed Trachea

While both can sound similar, important differences help tell them apart:

• Reverse sneezing is brief and self-limiting; collapsed trachea leads to a persistent cough and progressive breathing difficulties.
• Reverse sneezing appears as rapid noisy inhalation through the nose; collapsed trachea involves a barking, honking cough and signs of respiratory distress.

If your Maltese’s cough is rough and frequent, or if you notice breathing problems, seek veterinary assessment promptly. Vets may use physical exams, x-rays, and endoscopy to diagnose collapsed trachea accurately.

Treatment and Care for Collapsed Trachea

Management can include:

• Weight control to reduce pressure on the trachea
• Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, bronchodilators, and antibiotics if infections are present
• In severe cases, surgery or tracheal stenting may be necessary

Working closely with your vet will help maintain your Maltese’s comfort and breathing health. Preventing obesity and monitoring respiratory signs are vital steps for long-term care.

Breeding Considerations

Collapsed trachea is thought to have a genetic component. If you are looking to find a Maltese puppy, it is crucial to choose a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs for this condition and prioritises health and temperament. Responsible breeding helps reduce the risk of respiratory problems in puppies.

What You Can Do at Home

• During reverse sneezing episodes, gently massage your dog’s throat or encourage swallowing to help stop the spasm.
• Avoid exposure to known irritants like smoke or strong fragrances.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your Maltese to reduce the risk of tracheal collapse.
• Regular vet check-ups help catch and manage respiratory conditions early.

When to See a Vet

If your Maltese experiences frequent or prolonged reverse sneezing, or if coughing sounds harsh, persistent, or accompanied by breathing difficulties, a vet visit is essential. Early diagnosis of a collapsed trachea can significantly improve management outcomes.

Summary

Reverse sneezing in Maltese dogs is a common, mostly harmless reflex caused by throat spasms, often triggered by excitement or irritants. Collapsed trachea, however, is a structural defect leading to airway obstruction and can require ongoing veterinary care.

Understanding the differences helps owners provide appropriate comfort and seek timely veterinary intervention, ensuring your Maltese’s respiratory health and quality of life.