Tracheal collapse in older dog. Treatment?

Just got back from the vet and my 95lb, 14 year old dog has a collapsing trachea. Xrays confirm the coughing gagging problems he has been having is because of a collapsing trachea.

We can treat the symptoms or have a"Stint" put in to expand the trachea.

He is 14 years old and I don't want subject him to an operation that may be dangerous because of his age but I don't want him suffering unnecessarily. The thought of having trouble breathing is scary for anyone but I want to know if the surgery is more dangerous than the condition at is age.

Anyone have a dog with it?
Did you do the surgery?
What was the side effects/results of the surgery.

I trust the doctors we were referred to but they don't always tell you everything you need to consider.

Thanks

I can't help with your question but at 14 years old you have to consider the rest of the dogs health. Let's face it, a dog at 14 has already exceeded his life expectancy, which says something for the care you have already given him, but how much longer would he realistically have even without his current condition.

Sorry to hear . As an animal lover for many years i believe part of being a responsible pet owner is doing what is best for the pet. At 14 YO, and If it involves pain for the pet, I don't feel it's right to put them through it so they can have another period of time until something else occurs. I ask myself, who is really benefitting, myself, the pet, or the vet ? I hope this didn't come across to harsh

All dog lovers want to do what's best for their dog. As difficult as it is for you (us), at some point you (we) have to let them go.
I can't answer your question, but you'll do what's right.

EDIT: As I re-read that this morning, I realize that it sounds quite cold and unsympathetic. I certainly didn't intend it that way. I'm sure you love your dog(s) as much as I love mine. Figuring out what's best for the dog, especially a senior dog is never easy...

Thank you all for the compassionate responses.

And no worries Fat_Mike I did not take your or anyone else's as being cold or insensitive. I found your response(s) compassionate towards and animal you thought was suffering.

Luckily he is not at a point of having to let him go. He will wake up and cough a little bit and occasionally during the day make a honking cough sound, he gets winded faster also. We were concerned about it and the vet did xrays to find the collapsing trachea.

The Doctor says treat the symptoms and he will be here for a good while longer but I have to think that putting a stint in the trachea would have to help breathing. Why isn't that the first option considering they make lots of money on surgery makes me winder if it is a troublesome procedure?

Still researching and thank you all again for your responses. I know his time is getting shorter but as long as he isn't suffering I don't have a problem with paying some money to make his life better.

If he is in otherwise good health I would try treating the symptoms first. Putting an older dog under for surgery could go badly for them.

I’m a paramedic so I’m somewhat familiar with this procedure used on humans mainly temporary after a traumatic injury. They can be permanent but from my understanding can have significant complications since the body treats it as a foreign object. He will probably still have some airway issues and have to take meds for the rest of his life.

I asked a vet I know and he sent me this link. Pretty informative. I hope it helps.

https://leadervet.com/articles-papers/tracheal-stent-implantation-for-canine-tracheal-collapse/

Thank you very much.

That answered many questions.

Thank all of you who responded. Tough time with tough choices ahead but for now he is doing ok.