BOAS and Breathing Problems in Dogs
Does your dog have trouble breathing? Conditions like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can be detrimental to their health and quality of life. At Sydney Animal Hospitals, our experienced team is here to diagnose and treat respiratory issues quickly.
Help your best friend breathe easier
Dog Breathing Problems in Brachycephalic Breeds
Sydney Animal Hospitals recommends corrective surgery for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in most brachycephalic breeds. The procedure is preferably done at a young age—we do most corrective surgeries at the time of desexing, most common around 18 months of age. All dogs need assessment, which is generally done during the vaccination consultation or on admission for desexing.
It is important to improve these patients’ airways at a young age, before chronic changes occur and the condition becomes more severe.
When booking in your pet for puppy vaccination or desexing, please inform staff that you would like to discuss airway surgery.
A Guide to Breathing Problems in Brachycephalic Dogs
In these dog breeds, their narrow nostrils and elongated soft palate cause breathing problems that get progressively more severe as the dog gets older. BOAS can be made worse by exercise, heat and obesity. Because of their shortened muzzle and flat-faced head structure, along with the obstructing tissues of the airway stretch the ligaments in the larynx. This can result in an increase of respiratory effort and could progress to respiratory distress and collapse of the airways.
To explain this a little further, dogs with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome suffer from stenotic nares, which refers to their malformed or restricted nostrils that collapse inwards when the dog breathes in. These dogs also have an elongated soft palate, which is the fold of soft tissue sitting behind the bony roof of the mouth or hard palate. The palates play important roles in swallowing, breathing and vocalisation, and if the soft palate is too long, the tip of it protrudes into the airway, interfering with the movement of air into the lungs.
Together, nasal stenosis and an elongated soft palate, increase the negative pressure during breathing, which results in chronic inflammation and swelling within the upper respiratory tract. This leads to eversion of the laryngeal saccules and collapse of the larynx.
The everted laryngeal saccules refers to the tissue within the airway just in front of the vocal cords, which is pulled into the trachea or windpipe, partially obstructing airflow.
Dog Breeds With Breathing Problems
Brachycephalic dog breeds – or short-nosed breeds, – are those which typically have a relatively broad and shortened face or skull. The resulting distortion of the soft tissue structures causes the dog to experience breathing problems.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a condition that is more common in short-muzzled, flat-faced dogs. Commonly affected breeds include; Australian Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Mastiffs, and Cavoodles.
Signs of BOAS in Dogs
The common signs of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in dogs include difficulty breathing and snoring. These symptoms are made worse with exercise, excitement, periods of hot weather, and if the animal is overweight.
Affected dogs may not be keen to exercise, and they can have collapsing episodes or display a blue tongue and gums from lack of oxygen – referred to as cyanosis. Many dogs with BOAS will often prefer to sleep on their backs, as this position may help keep their airway more open.
We often see these dogs at the vet hospital when they are in severe respiratory distress or suffering from heatstroke, when they may have collapsed.
Diagnosing BOAS in Dogs
Stenotic nares can be diagnosed during a physical examination with your veterinaria. A general anaesthetic is required to diagnose an elongated soft palate and everted laryngeal saccules, and x-rays are often useful for assessment of the airway and chest.
The veterinarian will discuss the options available for further assessment, including advising you of the risks associated with anaesthetising brachycephalic dogs.
Management of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Why Get Surgery?
In dogs predisposed to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, surgery to improve the condition involves widening the nostril openings to increase airflow, shortening the long soft palate and examination of other oral structures that may obstruct breathing. A BOAS procedure should ideally be performed between 12 and 18 months of age before any secondary changes have occurred.
These procedures will often make a significant difference to these pets’ ability to breathe in the long term and prevent any secondary components from developing.
When to Get Surgery
We often recommend nostril widening at the time of desexing as this single procedure has been shown to make a significant improvement in air flow, and is easily done at the same time, under the same anaesthetic. If the laryngeal saccules are everted as part of the Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, the saccules can sometimes be surgically removed at the same time as the elongated soft palate is resected, or the saccules may sometimes be left and allowed to return to a more normal position.
In dogs with excessive skin folds around their face, it is also common to have these folds surgically corrected – so a bit like having a canine facelift, which can reduce the occurrence of skin issues such as skin fold dermatitis.
During and After Surgery
Due to the breathing difficulties associated with BOAS, dogs that undergo surgery must be closely monitored both during the general anaesthesia and afterwards as they recover.
One of our veterinarians will explain more about any surgical procedure and the after care that is required, when they discuss your pet’s treatment and care with you.
Visit Our In-House Sydney Bulldog Clinic
At all seven of our Sydney Animal Hospitals clinics, we have an expert team of veterinarians dedicated to treating brachycephalic dogs – including performing BOAS surgery. Please enquire about our breed-specific care options if you are concerned about your dog’s breathing or their health in general
Your dog depends on you, and you can depend on us.
7 Sydney Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney
Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience
Newtown
Open 7 Days
Inner West
Open 7 Days
Norwest
Open 7 Days
Kellyville
Open 7 Days
Baulkham Hills
Open 7 Days
Newport
Open 7 Days
Avalon
Open 6 Days
Providing Animal Hospital Care with Flexible Payment Options
To help with these unexpected costs Sydney Animal Hospitals offer a number of payment options such as Afterpay, Zip, VetPay, cash and credit card.
If you have pet insurance you may be able to claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly™
SYDNEY ANIMAL HOSPITALS ACCEPT
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions pet owners ask regarding dog breathing issues
What Are Brachycephalic Airway Problems in Pets?
Brachycephalic airway problems are a group of respiratory issues commonly found in breeds with short noses and flat faces, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers. These problems include stenotic nares (narrow nostrils), elongated soft palate, and collapsing trachea, which can lead to breathing difficulties.
What Are the Symptoms of in pets Breathing Problems in Dogs?
Symptoms may include noisy or labored breathing, snorting or snoring sounds, exercise intolerance, gagging or retching, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the gums), and collapse episodes, especially during exertion or in hot weather.
How Are Dogs With Breathing Issues Diagnosed?
What Treatment Options Are Available for Dogs With Breathing Problems?
Treatment may involve surgical interventions to correct anatomical abnormalities, such as widening stenotic nares, shortening an elongated soft palate, or stabilizing the trachea. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, weight management, and environmental adjustments can help alleviate symptoms and improve respiratory function.
How Much Does BOAS Surgery Cost?
At our Sydney Bulldog Clinics, BOAS surgery has a fixed price of $5,750.
What Is the Prognosis for Pets With Brachycephalic Airway Problems?
Latest Articles
From your Sydney Animal Hospitals team
Flea and Tick Prevention for Pets: How to Keep Your Furry Friend Safe
For any pet owner, whether you have a cat or a dog, it’s a crucial skill to spot telltale signs of excessive itching....
7 Health Issues Associated with Brachycephalic Breeds
Brachycephalic dog breeds like Australian, French and English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles...
How to Detect and Manage Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis is a progressive and painful condition that can greatly reduce your pet’s quality of life. However, with...
