Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Surgery

Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, are beloved for their distinctive, flat-faced appearance. However, their unique anatomy can lead to serious respiratory issues. At Westgate Pet Clinic, we routinely perform Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) surgery to help your pet breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life.

Understanding Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) refers to a set of respiratory problems commonly seen in flat-faced breeds. These issues arise due to the compressed structure of their skulls, leading to:

• Stenotic Nares: Narrowed nostrils that restrict airflow.
• Elongated Soft Palate: Excess soft tissue in the back of the throat that obstructs the airway.
• Everted Laryngeal Saccules: Tissue inside the larynx that can block the airway due to increased effort in breathing.
• Hypoplastic Trachea: A narrowed windpipe that reduces air passage.

Symptoms of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Pets with BOAS may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Noisy or labored breathing
• Snoring or snorting
• Exercise intolerance
• Gagging or choking
• Difficulty eating
• Cyanosis (bluish gums and tongue)
• Fainting or collapsing

Benefits of Surgery

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Surgery can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life by:

• Enhancing breathing and oxygenation
• Reducing snoring and respiratory noises
• Increasing exercise tolerance
• Decreasing the risk of heat stroke and respiratory distress
• Improving overall comfort and well-being

Some of these abnormalities such as hypoplastic trachea have no surgical option for treatment, but others including stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and everted laryngeal saccules can be surgically altered to open up the airway and decrease the resistance to airflow.

What is involved in these surgeries?

Stenotic nares are corrected by removing a wedge of tissue to widen the nostrils. Elongated soft palates are corrected by surgically removing the back part of the soft palate that is too long. Laryngeal saccules are removed by excising them at the base. These surgeries are performed with a surgical CO2 laser to reduce hemorrhage and swelling during and after the procedure.