An ELONGATED Soft Palate occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth extends too far into the throat & airway.

This condition obstructs the upper airway, leading to breathing difficulties, especially after exercise & during sleep.

It is commonly associated with snoring & sleep apnea in humans & certain breeds of dogs (brachycephalic breeds like frenchies, pugs & english bulldogs).

Symptoms may include:

Snoring
Gagging or choking sounds, particularly during sleep
Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or heat
Chronic fatigue or daytime sleepiness due to disrupted sleep

Surgical intervention to reduce the length of the soft palate is known as a Staphylectomy.