Lucca the young frenchie had just recovered from aspiration pneumonia before visiting us for a BOAS laser surgery consultation. Lucca regurgitated at home daily, especially after activity & excitement, & struggled to breathe on a daily basis.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is an Animal Welfare Issue that must be addressed proactively to improve breathing & quality of life.

What’s An ELONGATED SOFT PALATE? 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 which 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.