Pugs have charming personalities but also have a 10 times higher risk for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

Pet parents should monitor their pugs for signs of respiratory distress, such as noisy breathing, snorting, snoring, coughing, or difficulty exercising, & seek veterinary care promptly if any issues arise.

Regular vet visits are essential for early detection & management of respiratory issues. Early recognition & intervention has been proven to help improve quality of life for affected dogs.

BOAS results from upper airway abnormalities, such as narrowed nostrils & and elongated soft palate.

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

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.

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.
These abnormalities obstruct airflow, leading to breathing difficulties, snoring, exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, heat stroke, aspiration pneumonia, laryngeal collapse & death.

Surgery for BOAS typically involves procedures to address specific anatomical abnormalities contributing to airway obstruction. Common surgical interventions include widening of the nostrils (rhinoplasty), shortening of the soft palate (palatoplasty), & removal of other excessive tissues in the throat.