Babette is BREATHING lungs BETTER 3 weeks after BOAS Laser Surgery! Pugs are in the top 3 breeds most at risk for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.
PUGS have a 10 times higher risk of developing life threatening hyperthermia, pneumonia, respiratory obstruction, & collapse.
An ELONGATED SOFT PALATE (ESP) = ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUE in BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS.
The soft palate = soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth that separates the nasal passages from the mouth.
ESP extends into the throat (they suck this into the air pipe as they attempt to breathe) & it blocks oxygen airflow into the trachea/windpipe
Excitement, stress, barking, & panting causes the tissues to swell which leads to respiratory distress, airway collapse, & airway diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, heatstroke, & collapse.
ESP surgery is known as a staphylectomy.
Did you know that adequate thermoregulation is dependent on nasal ventilation ?
Without the ability to breathe through the nose, brachycephalics are forced to breathe through the mouth. This is why we see these breeds open mouth breathing & panting.
Stenotic nares are genetic, caused by a malformation of the cartilage in the nose.
Over time the increased airway resistance from pinched nostrils leads to increased effort to breathe in. This is hard on the larynx, which can collapse, making breathing nearly impossible which can lead to death.
SYMPTOMS of BOAS include:
1. Noisy breathing, snoring, wheezing, snorting
2. Open Mouth Breathing
3. Exercise Intolerance
4. Gagging
5. Choking
6. Regurgitation
7. Abdominal Breathing
8. Bluish Color (instead of pink) of Gums
Fortunately, EARLY & PROACTIVE measures to address BOAS leads to BETTER OUTCOMES & makes a SIGNIFICANT IMPACT on the QUALITY of LIFE in affected dogs.
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