French bulldogs are susceptible to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome due to their markedly shortened head structure. Photo / 123RF
NOTICE
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) can be a problem for some dog breeds, writes Vetora veterinarian Hayley Pfeffer.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a prevalent condition often seen in brachycephalic dog breeds (pugs, French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and shih tzus).
This is characterized by their significantly shortened head structure.
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These dogs also have a disproportionately larger tongue, an elongated soft palate, compressed nasal passages, and narrow nostrils.
Together, these changes in head shape create breathing difficulties because they impede the smooth flow of air from the upper airway to the trachea.
To better understand the impact, try keeping your nostrils partially closed and breathing, the discomfort you feel mirrors that which dogs with BOAS face, often to a more severe degree.
The sniffing or snoring noise these dogs make is a consequence of their compromised ability to breathe freely, forcing them to inhale with intense effort.
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This increased respiratory effort can cause the larynx to collapse, making breathing even more difficult. Other complications are exercise intolerance, susceptibility to overheating, sleep apnea, vomiting and collapse episodes.
However, we can help these dogs in their fight against BOAS.
The first step is to raise public awareness about this disease. It is essential to recognize that noisy breathing and rapid exhaustion after minimal physical activity are not normal behaviors.
The next step is early intervention, aimed at improving the quality of breathing before more serious complications, such as laryngeal collapse, occur.
Although we cannot correct all conformational changes in these dogs, we can surgically modify some things to improve breathing and overall well-being.
These procedures include naroplasty, which involves widening the nostrils, and palatoplasty, which involves shortening the soft palate.
It is also crucial to address the issue of breeding from dogs affected by BOAS.
Responsible breeding practices involve avoiding mating between dogs with BOAS traits, as this condition has a hereditary component.
Breeding from affected dogs will encourage genetic predisposition to BOAS, condemning future generations of dogs to a life of respiratory difficulty and suffering.
It is essential to recognize the potential presence of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in your dog and understand that he is likely to have difficulty breathing, due to his unique anatomical characteristics.
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By watching for signs of discomfort, you can seek early veterinary consultation to improve your dog’s long-term respiratory quality.
Through surgical interventions and responsible breeding practices, we can improve the lives of these beloved pets, helping them breathe easier and minimizing the impact on future generations.