North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test 2025 - Free NAVLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most likely diagnosis for an obese Pomeranian experiencing a chronic honking cough and having a heart murmur is tracheal collapse. This condition is common in small breed dogs, particularly toy breeds like Pomeranians. The trachea in these dogs is often malformed or weakened, which can lead to a characteristic cough that sounds like a honk.

The honking cough is due to the dynamic collapse of the trachea during breathing, especially during physical activity or excitement. In obese dogs, the increased pressure from excess weight can exacerbate this condition, making the cough more pronounced. The presence of a heart murmur complicates the clinical picture, as it may indicate concurrent heart disease, which is also common in senior or obese dogs.

While congestive heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and tracheobronchitis can also be considerations, the specific combination of an obese Pomeranian with a chronic honking cough strongly directs the diagnosis towards tracheal collapse. This condition aligns well with the symptoms presented, while the others may not cohesively explain the honking cough in the same way. Chronic bronchitis would typically present with a wet or productive cough, and tracheobronchitis (often associated with infectious agents