PDSA veterinary nurse Tina Scrafton with Mitsy
Yorkshire Terrier Mitsy, from Pennywell in Sunderland, was saved after suffering a near-fatal windpipe collapse during the summer heatwave.
Owner Sue Richardson (49) had taken her two dogs Mitsy (9) and Molly (11) to PetCheck – an event run by vet charity PDSA, which provides free wellbeing MOTs and microchipping for dogs.
While waiting for her appointment, Sue took her two dogs for a short walk around nearby Barnes Park. Suddenly Mitsy started suffering severe breathing difficulties so Sue took her straight back to the PetCheck vehicle.
PDSA Vet Nurse Tina Scrafton, who was on the PetCheck vehicle at the time, said: “I was alerted to a dog in distress outside and went straight out to take a look. It was immediately clear how serious Mitsy’s situation was – she couldn’t breathe and her tongue was turning blue.”
As there are no treatment facilities on the PetCheck vehicle, Sue and her dogs were taken straight to nearby Kings Road vet practice, where Mitsy was rushed to emergency care. Sue said “I was terrified for Mitsy, she was gasping for breath and it sounded like something was blocking her throat. The vet said it was a tracheal collapse, when the airway closes in on itself, and it was 50/50 as to whether she would survive. I was heartbroken.
“Thankfully after a few hours of treatment she was well enough to come home, but we had to keep a very close eye on her. We didn’t get much sleep that night! Mitsy has now completely recovered from this episode, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped her. I also want to do all I can to make other owners aware of what to do if this ever happens to their dogs.”
PDSA nurse Tina advised: “Tracheal collapse isn’t seen very frequently, but it is more prevalent in small ‘toy’ breeds of dog, particularly as they get older. It is caused by weaknesses or defects in the cartilage that holds the windpipe open. Hot weather can exacerbate the condition, which is what brought about Mitsy’s sudden attack.
“It’s important for owners to be aware of the signs of tracheal collapse, which include a severe “honking” cough and difficulty exercising. In extreme cases the airway can collapse completely causing the brain to be starved of oxygen, which is why Mitsy’s tongue was turning blue. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, contact your vet straight away.”
PDSA also provides advice for owners on keeping their pets safe during hot weather, including avoiding taking dogs out during the middle of the day and providing constant access to shade and fresh water.
PDSA’s PetCheck tour visits hundreds of locations across the UK from March to October every year. The vet nurses provide free dog wellbeing MOTs and microchipping, but thankfully most events don’t involve emergencies like Mitsy’s. More information about the PetCheck tour is available on PDSA’s website, www.pdsa.org.uk/petcheck.
About PDSA’s PetCheck vehicles
PDSA’s two custom-designed PetCheck vehicles have been kindly donated to the charity by benefactors Julie and Robert Breckman. The vehicles are named after Robert and his late wife Julie, whose love of animals and support of PDSA has helped to make the PetCheck tour a reality.
Owner Sue Richardson (49) had taken her two dogs Mitsy (9) and Molly (11) to PetCheck – an event run by vet charity PDSA, which provides free wellbeing MOTs and microchipping for dogs.
While waiting for her appointment, Sue took her two dogs for a short walk around nearby Barnes Park. Suddenly Mitsy started suffering severe breathing difficulties so Sue took her straight back to the PetCheck vehicle.
PDSA Vet Nurse Tina Scrafton, who was on the PetCheck vehicle at the time, said: “I was alerted to a dog in distress outside and went straight out to take a look. It was immediately clear how serious Mitsy’s situation was – she couldn’t breathe and her tongue was turning blue.”
As there are no treatment facilities on the PetCheck vehicle, Sue and her dogs were taken straight to nearby Kings Road vet practice, where Mitsy was rushed to emergency care. Sue said “I was terrified for Mitsy, she was gasping for breath and it sounded like something was blocking her throat. The vet said it was a tracheal collapse, when the airway closes in on itself, and it was 50/50 as to whether she would survive. I was heartbroken.
“Thankfully after a few hours of treatment she was well enough to come home, but we had to keep a very close eye on her. We didn’t get much sleep that night! Mitsy has now completely recovered from this episode, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped her. I also want to do all I can to make other owners aware of what to do if this ever happens to their dogs.”
PDSA nurse Tina advised: “Tracheal collapse isn’t seen very frequently, but it is more prevalent in small ‘toy’ breeds of dog, particularly as they get older. It is caused by weaknesses or defects in the cartilage that holds the windpipe open. Hot weather can exacerbate the condition, which is what brought about Mitsy’s sudden attack.
“It’s important for owners to be aware of the signs of tracheal collapse, which include a severe “honking” cough and difficulty exercising. In extreme cases the airway can collapse completely causing the brain to be starved of oxygen, which is why Mitsy’s tongue was turning blue. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, contact your vet straight away.”
PDSA also provides advice for owners on keeping their pets safe during hot weather, including avoiding taking dogs out during the middle of the day and providing constant access to shade and fresh water.
PDSA’s PetCheck tour visits hundreds of locations across the UK from March to October every year. The vet nurses provide free dog wellbeing MOTs and microchipping, but thankfully most events don’t involve emergencies like Mitsy’s. More information about the PetCheck tour is available on PDSA’s website, www.pdsa.org.uk/petcheck.
About PDSA’s PetCheck vehicles
PDSA’s two custom-designed PetCheck vehicles have been kindly donated to the charity by benefactors Julie and Robert Breckman. The vehicles are named after Robert and his late wife Julie, whose love of animals and support of PDSA has helped to make the PetCheck tour a reality.