Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome assessments, grading and treatments.
The shape of the head and muzzle of some breeds of dog means they have reduced tolerance to exercise as they face difficulties breathing. Such animals are labelled as 'brachycephalic', meaning "short headed".
Breeds that are commonly affected include: English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih-Tzus, and Pekingese.
Animals that are brachycephalic are at risk of developing BOAS - Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, which can present signs such as:
These three conditions combined (or often just one of these conditions) can significantly impair a dog's ability to breathe properly. Affected dogs can also suffer from a narrow trachea, laryngeal collapse, laryngeal paralysis, or hiatal hernia (when part of the stomach slides into the chest).
Noisy breathing is the most common sign of BOAS. Owners need to be on the lookout for this as noisy breathing is absolutely and definitely NOT normal for any dog. If your English or French Bulldog, Pug, Shih-Tzu or Pekingese cannot sustain deep, noise-free breaths when at rest or during gentle exercise, this is cause for concern and you should get a referral to our surgical team for a BOAS assessment.
If an affected dog is stressed or worried, is in pain, gets too hot or is just exercised more than usual, the risks of inadequate ventilation are high and the consequences can be extremely uncomfortable and even life-threatening for the dog.
Coughing and vomiting in a brachycephalic dog can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia (infection caused by inhaling food or vomit). Aspiration pneumonia is a severe condition that along with obesity, further lowers your dog's tolerance for limited breathing.
Sleep apnoea (prolonged time between breaths during deep sleep) can also be dangerous and is another indicator of a BOAS issue.
Stenotic nares (very narrow nostrils) can be observed easily during a clinical examination. If we want to assess the soft palate and laryngeal saccules, your dog will need a general anaesthetic. For us to examine the trachea and check for a hernia, we use our endoscopy equipment.
If BOAS is suspected, then we grade its severity using the ‘Respiratory Function Grading Scheme’. This is a BOAS specific protocol designed by the Kennel Club (KC) and the University of Cambridge. The Respiratory Function Grading Scheme assesses Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs for BOAS, advising owners of the extent to which their dog is affected by BOAS and giving guidance on breeding. Our veterinary surgeons, Katie & Emma, are Kennel Club approved RFGS Assessors for the region. If you would like a BOAS assessment then your dog should be:
If your dog is KC registered, please bring your documents to the assessment. To book a BOAS assessment please contact us or if you are a vet, please complete the referral form on our referrals page.
BOAS abnormalities should be treated to increase the comfort of the affected dog. These are not cosmetic changes; they can make a big difference for a patient who cannot otherwise enjoy sunny weather or a run in the park.
Treatment for BOAS is always done under general anaesthetic at our East Grinstead branch. Once anaesthetised: