Hello to all the proud parents of pugs, Frenchies, and bulldogs! We adore our flat-faced (brachycephalic) friends for their smooshy faces, big eyes, and charming snorts. But these unique features can also come with a unique set of breathing challenges, collectively known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Let's dive into what BOAS is and how we can help our smushy-faced companions breathe easier.
What is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)?
"Brachy" means short and "cephalic" means head. For centuries, we have selectively bred dogs to have shorter and shorter snouts. While this gives them their adorable appearance, it also means that all the normal nasal and throat tissues are crammed into a much smaller space. This overcrowding can lead to a combination of airway obstructions.
BOAS is not a single problem, but a collection of four primary anatomical abnormalities:
- •Stenotic Nares: This is a fancy term for narrowed nostrils. The nostril openings are so small that they look like slits instead of open circles. This is the first hurdle for air trying to get in.
- 1Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the fleshy tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth. In brachycephalic dogs, it's often too long for the short snout, so the excess tissue hangs down into the back of the throat, partially blocking the opening to the windpipe (trachea). This is what causes the classic snorting and snoring sounds.
- 2Everted Laryngeal Saccules: The larynx (or voice box) has two small pockets called saccules. With the increased effort it takes to breathe, these saccules can get sucked into the airway, causing further obstruction.
- 3Hypoplastic Trachea: In some brachycephalic dogs, the windpipe itself is abnormally narrow.
All of these issues force your dog to work much harder just to breathe. It's like trying to breathe through a narrow straw all day long.
Spotting the Signs of BOAS
Many of the sounds we associate with these breeds are actually signs of breathing difficulty.
- •Noisy Breathing: Snorting, snoring, and wheezing, even when awake.
- •Exercise Intolerance: Getting tired very quickly during walks or playtime.
- •Heat Intolerance: Dogs cool themselves by panting. Because brachycephalic dogs can't pant efficiently, they overheat very easily, which is extremely dangerous.
- •Gagging or Retching: Especially when swallowing food or water.
- •Sleep Apnea: You might notice your dog stops breathing for short periods while sleeping, and then wakes up with a snort. They often prefer to sleep with their head propped up on a pillow or with a toy in their mouth to keep their airway open.
- •Collapse: In severe cases, the effort of breathing can be so great that the dog collapses from lack of oxygen.
A respiratory crisis in a brachycephalic dog is a life-threatening emergency. If your dog is having severe difficulty breathing, their gums are turning blue, or they have collapsed, get them to an emergency vet immediately.
How Vets Diagnose BOAS
The diagnosis is often made based on the dog's breed and the classic clinical signs. Your vet can diagnose stenotic nares just by looking at your dog's nose.
To assess the soft palate and laryngeal saccules, your dog will need to be put under heavy sedation or light anesthesia. This allows the vet to look at the back of the throat and see what's causing the obstruction. Chest X-rays may also be taken to check the width of the trachea.
Treatment: A Breath of Fresh Air
For dogs that are significantly affected by BOAS, surgery can be life-changing. The goal of surgery is to correct the anatomical abnormalities and open up the airway.
The most common surgical procedures are:
- •Nare Resection (Nostril Widening): The surgeon removes a small wedge of tissue from the nostrils to create a much wider opening for air to pass through. This simple procedure can make a huge difference.
- 1Staphylectomy (Soft Palate Resection): The surgeon trims the excess length from the soft palate so that it no longer blocks the opening to the windpipe.
- 2Everted Saccule Removal: If the laryngeal saccules are everted, they are snipped out.
These surgeries are often performed at the same time. It's becoming very common to perform the nostril and palate surgery proactively in young dogs (even at the same time as their spay or neuter) to prevent the secondary problems, like everted saccules, from developing.
Management and Prevention
- •Weight Control: Keeping your brachycephalic dog at a lean body weight is one of the most important things you can do. Excess weight makes breathing even more difficult.
- •Use a Harness, Not a Collar: A collar can put pressure on the windpipe.
- •Avoid the Heat: Exercise your dog in the cool parts of the day (early morning or late evening). Never leave them outside on a hot day.
- •Proactive Surgery: Talk to your vet about corrective surgery before your dog develops severe signs.
Living with a flat-faced friend comes with special responsibilities. By understanding the challenges of BOAS and being proactive, you can ensure your charming companion has the best and most comfortable life possible.
Sources & Further Reading:
- •American College of Veterinary Surgeons - Brachycephalic Syndrome
- 1VCA Animal Hospitals - Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs