Small Trachea

Question
Hi, we got our bulldog from a very reputable breeder and took her in for her first check up, the vet did an xray because she had developed kennel cough. The vet said she had a small trachea and to be aware, it could very well cause problems later on. Our breeder said "Dont worry about his trachea diagnosis, it is not correct.  Vets x-ray for pneumonia to detect fluid in her lungs, but the trachea shows up as a thin line, in all bulldogs.  It is also the worst time to x-ray because if they are coughing they have flim in their throat.  Her trachea will not affect her in the future."
She breathes very rapidly when she sleeps and she has the hiccups frequently. Are either of those small trachea related and who do you agree with more about the diagnosis, the breeder or vet? thanks!
julie

Answer
I agree with the breeder to a degree. It's unrealistic to diagnose a small trachea on a puppy as a potential problem. All Bulldogs have small trachea. You can't determine if it's going to be a problem until the dog is done growing.

If it becomes a problem, having soft palate surgery will generally make everything ok. Again, this is to be put off until adulthood unless it's a life threatening situation.

Hiccups and rapid breathing have nothing to do with this at all.