TL;DR: Stridor is a high-pitched breathing sound indicating a potentially life-threatening airway obstruction that requires immediate emergency veterinary care. Capturing a short video of the sound can help the medical team prepare life-saving equipment before you arrive at the hospital.
What is stridor in dogs and what causes the sound?
Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound produced when air flows through a narrowed or partially obstructed upper airway. It is most commonly heard when a dog is inhaling. This sound typically originates from the larynx (voice box) or the trachea (windpipe) and indicates that something is physically restricting the normal passage of air into the lungs.
Is stridor a medical emergency for my dog?
Yes. The urgency level for stridor is High as it signifies significant upper airway compromise. You should transport your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital immediately, especially if you observe:
- Blue-tinged gums or tongue
- A panicked expression or extreme effort to breathe
- Signs of total airway obstruction, respiratory distress, or respiratory arrest
How does a video of my dog’s breathing help with veterinary triage?
Capturing a quick video of your dog while they are making the noise can be life-saving. A video helps the veterinary triage team by:
- Allowing them to witness the specific sound and the "work" of breathing, such as flared nostrils or abdominal straining.
- Providing a record of the symptom even if the dog is not actively making the sound in the exam room.
- Helping the medical team prioritize your pet and prepare emergency equipment, such as oxygen or sedation, before you even arrive.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs, high-pitched inhaling noise (stridor) can indicate upper respiratory tract obstruction. Causes of large airway pathology include foreign bodies, edema, laryngeal paralysis or paresis, tracheal collapse, elongated soft palate, aspiration of stomach contents, neoplasia, and pharyngeal hematomas. Definitive diagnosis of laryngeal involvement requires laryngoscopy, typically under anesthesia or analgesia in dogs. A tentative diagnosis is based on clinical signs, auscultation of the laryngeal region, and exacerbation of stridor by palpation of the larynx. In laryngeal obstruction, a tracheotomy tube should be placed immediately; if not possible, airway patency may be established by passage of a pliable tube through the glottis. Corticosteroids should be administered to reduce obstructive edema.
Chapter: Respiratory, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1420)