“Will my dog need the nose or the throat corrected?” is a common question about improving breathing in BOAS. The answer in most cases is that both require correction in order to maximize the airflow, improve oxygenation, reduce exercise intolerance, & improve the quality of life for pets affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.
BOAS is an Animal Welfare Issue that must be addressed proactively for a favorable outcome & to improve 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.
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