Jax is thriving 3 weeks after BOAS Laser Surgery! His mom reports he is now a “different dog” & that his breathing, activity, snoring, & regurgitation have all improved !
His loud breathing in the exam room confirmed upper respiratory stridor secondary to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
An ELONGATED SOFT PALATE = 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.
An elongated soft palate 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.
To help correct this problem the elongated soft palate requires surgical correction 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, & are a component of brachycephalic syndrome.
Stenotic nares are present from birth, though they might not cause problems until later in life.
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.Dogs affected by stenotic nares can show the following symptoms:
* Noisy breathing, especially during inhalation
* Exercise intolerance
* Cyanosis – blue gums due to lack of oxygen
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