Surgical
Dog Breathing Problems
Dog Breathing Problems Brachycephalic Breeds
Sydney Animal Hospitals recommends Obstructive Airway corrective surgery in most Brachycephalic breeds. The procedure is preferably done at a young age – we do most corrective surgeries at the time of desexing or within the first 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 have occurred and the condition has become more refractory.
When booking in your pet for puppy vaccination or desexing please inform staff that you are considering airway surgery.
Guide to Breathing Problems in Brachycephalic Dogs?
Brachycephalic dog breeds – or short-nosed breeds, are those which typically have a relatively broad and shortened face or skull, with the resulting distortion of the soft tissue structures involved in breathing causing the dog to experience breathing problems. Brachycephalic means short-headed.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a condition that is more common with short-muzzled, flat-faced dogs. Commonly affected breeds include;
In these dog breeds, their narrow nostrils and elongated soft palate cause breathing problems that get progressively more severe as the dog gets older. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is made worse by exercise, heat and obesity. Because of their shortened muzzle and relatively flat-faced head structure, in these dogs the obstructing tissues of the airway stretch the ligaments in the larynx leading to severely laboured breathing and eventually, collapse of the larynx altogether.
To explain this a little further, in dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome, they 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, leading 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.
Signs of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
The commons 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 brachycephalic airway syndrome 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.
Stenotic nares can be diagnosied during a physical examination with your veterinarian, they can diagnose stenotic nares. 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
In patients with brachycephalic airway syndrome, early correction of the narrow nostrils and long soft palate will dramatically reduce the resulting secondary changes that occur over time. Young animals have a good prognosis following surgery and will generally be able to breathe more easily afterwards.
In dogs predisposed to brachycephalic airway syndrome, surgery to improve the condition involves widening the nostril openings to increase airflow. Surgery can also shorten the long soft palate. This procedure should ideally be performed between 12 months of age before any secondary changes have occurred.
Our protocol at Sydney Animal Hospitals is to widen the nostrils and/or shorten the soft palate of these patients at the time of desexing or before two years of age. 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.
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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.
after care that is required, when they discuss your pet’s treatment and care with you.
Please enquire about your options if you are concerned with your dogs breathing problems at your local Sydney Animal Hospital.
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Ensure a Smooth Recovery for Your Pet
Our Rapid Recovery Pack is designed to support your pet's healing journey post-surgery. With comprehensive care tailored for a faster, more comfortable recovery, you can rest assured your furry friend is in safe hands. Ask us about how we can help your pet bounce back stronger and healthier.
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 brachycephalic airway problems
