11/09/2026
For about a year, Mia, an 11-year-old Pomeranian, had been struggling to breathe because of a collapsing trachea, a condition where the windpipe weakens and narrows so air can't flow freely. Medical management helped for a time, but the disease was progressing.
Over a weekend, Mia suddenly developed severe breathing distress and was taken to an emergency room. She needed a tracheal stent, a small mesh tube placed inside the windpipe to help hold it open. Dr. Scott Rose, board-certified veterinary surgeon, performed the emergency procedure here at VSC Sarasota, which is the only facility in the Sarasota/Bradenton areas offering it.
Mia woke up breathing better than she had in years, and she is now breathing well at home. Every recovery is different, but we're grateful to Mia's family and everyone who cared for her along the way.
If your dog is struggling with tracheal collapse, talk to your family veterinarian about a referral, or call us at 941.893.1500.
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