TL;DR: Stridor is a high-pitched breathing sound indicating a serious upper airway obstruction and requires immediate veterinary evaluation. If your dog is struggling to breathe or has blue/pale gums, transport them to an emergency clinic right away.
What is stridor in dogs and how does it sound?
Stridor is a loud, high-pitched, vibrating sound produced during breathing. It is typically heard when a dog inhales and indicates a significant obstruction or narrowing in the upper airway, specifically around the larynx (voice box) or the upper trachea. This differs from stertor, which is a low-pitched, spot-like sound usually originating from the back of the throat or nose.
Is my dog's stridor a medical emergency?
- Urgency Level: High. Sudden stridor is a medical emergency signifying a partially blocked airway.
- Immediate Risks: Your dog is at risk of respiratory distress, overheating, and total airway collapse.
- Critical Warning Signs: Seek emergency care immediately if your dog has blue, purple, or pale gums, or if they are using their abdominal muscles to breathe.
How can a photo or video help the vet triage my dog?
- Capturing the Sound: A 5-10 second video is vital because adrenaline at the clinic can often mask the sound and severity.
- Visual Evidence: Video allows the vet to analyze the specific breathing effort and the exact pitch of the stridor.
- Oxygenation Status: A clear photo of your dog's gums helps the veterinary team assess oxygen levels before you even enter the exam room.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs presenting with sudden stridor, emergency triage should prioritize assessment for life-threatening airway obstruction. Partial large airway obstruction manifests as noisy breathing (stridor or stertor), often accompanied by cyanosis and anxiety. Compromise of the extrathoracic airway (nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, or cervical trachea) is a key consideration. While inspiratory stridor is classic for laryngeal paralysis, upper respiratory tract obstruction can cause marked expiratory stridor, potentially accompanied by extension of the head and forelegs. Palpation of the larynx may exacerbate the stridor. Rapid identification of the underlying cause is critical, as bilateral laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal abscess, pharyngeal trauma and cellulitis, and retropharyngeal abscesses or masses can present similarly. Immediate intervention, such as tracheotomy or passage of a pliable tube through the glottis, may be necessary to establish airway patency; corticosteroids may help reduce obstructive swelling.
Chapter: Respiratory, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1420)