Astro’s pet parent sent a text with GREAT NEWS 4 DAYS post BOAS surgery !

Imagine STRUGGLING to BREATHE on a DAILY BASIS ! Dr. Boazman explains that those adorable SMUSHED faced (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, & Boxers) all have something in common: they are #BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS

These breeds possess the flat face, pushed-up nose, narrow nostrils, & large eyes .

Unfortunately, because of this peculiar anatomy, brachycephalic dogs often have a hard time breathing & have respiratory abnormalities.

This condition is known as brachycephalic syndrome & it is characterized by or more of the following:

  • An elongated soft palate
  • Stenotic nares
  • Everted Laryngeal Saccules
  • A narrow trachea
  • Ever notice that Bulldogs do a lot of snorting? That’s probably due to an elongated soft palate.
The soft palate is the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth that separates the nasal passages from the mouth. In brachcephalic breeds, the soft palate extends into the throat & can block the trachea/windpipe.

Lots of barking & panting causes the tissues to swell which leads to breathing problems & respiratory distress. To help correct this problem the elongated soft palate is surgically corrected.

Stenotic nares is the term referring to narrowing of the nostrils. This limits the airflow, making breathing through the nose difficult. When the nostrils are narrow corrective surgery helps patients to breathe better.