Bruce was regurgitating, couldn’t tolerate activity or exercise, & was suffering from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)

Laser surgery of his nose & elongated soft palate was performed to help improve his breathing & quality of life.

Did you know that thermoregulation is dependent on nasal ventilation ?

Without the ability to breathe through the nose, many brachycephalics are forced to breathe through the mouth. This is often why we see these brachycephalic 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.

Stenotic nares are present from birth inaffected dogs, though they might not cause problems until later in life.

The problem is that over time the increased airway resistance from pinched nostrils leads to increased effort to breathe in. This is hard on the larynx, which can eventually collapse, making breathing nearly impossible & this can even lead to death.Dogs negatively affected by stenotic nares will show some of the following symptoms:

  • Noisy breathing, especially during inhalation
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Cyanosis – blue gums due to lack of oxygen
  • Fainting

An ELONGATED SOFT PALATE = ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUE in BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS.

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 brachycephalic breeds, the soft palate extends into the throat & blocks 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 requires surgical correction which is known as a staphylectomy.