Brachycephaly In Dogs: What To Do To Help Them Breathe

Brachycephaly in dogs is a structural condition where a dog has a “short head” i.e. a very flat face with very little length to its nose.

Dogs and cats with this type of skull conformation often have problems breathing, and sadly, many will die.

In this tutorial, Dr Leigh discusses brachycephaly in dogs and how many of these dogs struggle to breathe and have what is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome i.e. BOAS

The following components of brachycephalic syndrome are discussed in more detail:

• elongated soft palate
• hypoplastic trachea
• stenotic nares
• everted laryngeal saccules

BOAS surgery is discussed and the risks associated with this surgery are explained.

It’s important to remember that this surgery can have complications in recovery.

If surgery is not performed on these dogs when they start showing symptoms or as a preventative when they reach maturity (around 1 year of age), the airways will deteriorate to such an extent that we risk these dogs dying a sudden death.

Please view this video and read our article Why Your Dog Can’t Breathe And What You Need To Do.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is an important welfare problem related to any brachycephalic breed.

Without intervention, many of these dogs struggle to breathe and have a poor quality of life.

Please share this post with people that you know who own or care for brachycephalic dogs. You might just save a life.

If you want to discuss your dog’s condition contact one of our vets now.