Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

A Little About Brachycephalic Dogs

When a person refers to ‘brachycephalic’ this refers to dogs bred to have short/flat noses. You will commonly see this in (though not restricted to) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers and Pekingese. This breed trait can lead to breathing problems due to their face structure being squished and placing pressure on their respiratory system, which in turn reduces their ability to take in air. Also commonly the skin folds of these breeds can create issues requiring surgical correction.

Will My Dog Need Surgical Correction?

Many brachycephalic dogs suffer in some form, however this can be slight enough they go their entire life without too great of issue. In more severe cases you will see your pet in respiratory distress. This can range from being easily short of breath to collapsing from activity. There can also be digestive troubles. If your dog displays loud breathing and snoring it’s a good idea to have them checked by the vet. Also if they are regularly gagging or regurgitating.

If these signs show, typically we will recommend a CT scan to study the structure of the skull and associated soft tissues, with a particular interest in the nasal cavities and soft palate. This will allow the vets to decide if surgically widening the nares and shortening the soft palate (most common surgery) or other options are recommended for your pets health.