Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Theophylline treatment for tracheal collapse in small dogs 2013-2017
By Jeung, So Young et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary science·2019·Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A retrospective study of theophylline-based therapy with tracheal collapse in small-breed dogs: 47 cases (2013-2017).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of small-breed dogs with tracheal collapse (a condition that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties) were treated with theophylline, a medication that helps open airways and reduce inflammation. Out of 47 dogs treated, 46 showed significant improvement in their coughing after starting the medication. Theophylline was given in varying doses based on the severity of the condition, and the average time these dogs remained symptom-free was about six months. While most dogs responded well to the treatment, further studies are needed to confirm the long-term safety of theophylline for this condition.
People also search for: dog coughing treatment · tracheal collapse in small dogs · theophylline for dog breathing problems
Abstract
Theophylline acts as a bronchodilator and has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, theophylline can be applied in patients where there are concerns regarding the side-effects of corticosteroids. This retrospective case series evaluated theophylline-based therapy in tracheal collapse (TC) canine patients. Forty-seven dogs with TC that received theophylline-based therapy during 2013-2017 were investigated. A fluoroscopic examination was performed to diagnose and grade TC. Theophylline was prescribed (7.5-30 mg/kg PO q12h) and the theophylline serum concentrations were measured. Coughing was assessed using a coughing scoring scale. The mean coughing score decreased after the theophylline-based therapy compared with that observed before treatment. Clinical improvements were observed in 46/47 patients (97.9%). As the intrathoracic TC grading increased, the final theophylline dosage also increased (p value 0.019). The symptom-free period (SFP) with therapy was 189.7 ± 194.45 days (range, 0-720 days) and there was no statistically significant correlation between the SFP and age, sex, or TC grade on fluoroscopy. Although theophylline has generally been used as a third-line treatment, it was used as the main treatment in this study and most patients showed improvements. Dogs have a wider therapeutic index of serum concentrations than humans, and any undesirable effects were easily overcome. With further research, this therapy may prove to be a useful approach, but its safety for long-term use in the treatment of canine TC patients needs to be established.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31565900/