Stenotic Nares corrective surgery involves enlarging the nasal openings (from the outside by enlarging the entrance into the nostril & from the inside by removing the alar fold within the nostril) & is a highly effective procedure that helps alleviate Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Stenotic Nares (narrowing of the nostrils) seen in brachycephalic breeds results from a malformation of the alar folds that form the nostrils.

The alar folds are “bulbs” located inside the nostrils & are the fleshy, lateral borders of the nostrils that collapse inward upon respiration.

When a dog inhales, the alar fold opens up to allow air to rush up the dog’s nasal cavity so it can bombard the scent receptor cells with odors.

When a dog has stenotic nares the alar folds collapse farther than needed, resulting in complete closure of the nostrils.

Opening the nostrils allows more oxygen flow into the nose & reduces respiratory effort & helps prevent serious life threatening complications of BOAS.