Fixed Price BOAS Surgery

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is an increasing common presentation in our flat faced dog breeds. As the skull is shortened through selective breeding, the soft tissues inside do not reduce in size proportionately, therefore leading to an obstruction of airflow.

French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs are most affected. Common abnormalities include narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares), overlong soft palate and laryngeal collapse.

• Snoring (stertor)

• Increased respiratory effort

• Decreased exercise and heat tolerance

 • Sleeping issues (sleeping with their head elevated or with a toy in their mouth)

• Regurgitation (hiatal hernias develop due to increased pressure created by an obstructed airway that can cause dogs to regurgitate)

• Collapse/cyanosis

Bloodwork should be performed to determine the general health status of the patient. A definitive diagnosis is made on direct visual assessment of the upper airway under light general anaesthesia. Radiography can also be used to evaluate the trachea and lower airways. Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract may be required. Surgical treatment is often performed under the same anaesthetic, as this reduces the risks during recovery.

Early surgical correction of the stenotic nares, elongated soft palate and everted laryngeal saccules is recommended. Dogs with BOAS benefit from early correction of existing primary abnormalities before secondary changes occur, such as everted tonsils, everted laryngeal saccules and collapse of the arytenoid cartilages causing turbulent airway flow. Surgical intervention can be hugely beneficial and can significantly improve the quality of life for the patient.

Your pet may be hospitalised for one night. Your pet will be discharged with pain relief. Your pet will require 10-14 days of house rest and excessive excitation should be avoided. A harness rather than a neck collar should be used lifelong.

The success of surgery in younger dogs with less severe abnormalities is very good. The most severe life-threatening complications that can occur include complete airway obstruction, requiring placement of a temporary tracheostomy tube (breathing tube in neck), as well as aspiration pneumonia. In most cases the gastro-intestinal signs resolve following successful surgical correction of the airway obstruction, however a few cases may require further investigations and treatment for the gastrointestinal signs.