Tag: surgical

If you own a French Bulldog, Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier or Pekingese, you know these dogs are full of personality. However, due to a condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) many flat-faced breeds often face challenges when it comes to breathing.
Newtown Veterinary Clinic offer expert diagnosis and surgical treatment for BOAS to help your pet breathe easier, feel better and lead a more active life.

Signs & Symptoms
BOAS is often displayed by signs such as:

• Noisy breathing (especially when excited or exercising)
• Gagging, retching, or coughing
• Poor exercise tolerance or excessive panting
• Trouble cooling down in warm or humid weather
• Restlessness, especially at night

Over time, this condition can be associated with further health challenges.

Diagnosis
A BOAS diagnosis is typically identified with a thorough physical examination. The main features our experienced Veteriarian is looking for are:

• Elongated soft palate – Excess tissue at the back of the throat that partially blocks airflow
• Narrow (Stenotic) nostrils – Small or inward-turned nostrils that make it difficult to breathe
• Everted laryngeal saccules – Tissue near the vocal cords that gets pulled into the airway, creating further obstruction

A thorough diagnostic assessment is key to successful treatment. In addition to a physical examination and airway evaluation under general anaesthesia, we may also perform chest radiographs (X-rays) to assess the tracheal inlet to tracheal diameter ratio. This measurement helps us evaluate the relative size of the windpipe, which is especially important in breeds prone to narrowed tracheas. It allows us to better understand the full extent of your pet’s airway obstruction and plan surgical treatment accordingly.

Treatment
Surgical intervention is recommended when symptoms are impacting the pet’s comfort, safety, or daily function. At Newtown Veterinary Clinic, we understand the unique needs of brachycephalic breeds. Our experienced team performs BOAS surgery with gentle techniques, advanced monitoring, and personalised care, all in a calm, fear-free environment.
Where possible, multiple corrections are performed during the same anaesthetic to optimise the outcome. The most common procedures include:

• Laryngeal sacculectomy – removing obstructive tissue near the vocal cords
• Soft palate resection –  shortening the palate to prevent airway obstruction
• Nares widening –  to improve nasal airflow

What to Expect
Your pet’s safety and comfort are our priority. Many pets are noticeably more comfortable, active, and better able to cope with warm weather after BOAS surgery. Our team is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure your pet receives the best possible care.

• Before surgery: You will receive a pre-operative pack and medication to begin two days before the procedure.
• During surgery: Your pet is carefully monitored using advanced equipment and gentle handling techniques.
• After surgery: Most pets are discharged the same day with a tailored recovery plan typically involving rest, soft food, and medication to manage inflammation and discomfort. In some cases, we recommend overnight monitoring at the Geelong Animal Emergency Centre (GAEC) for added safety and peace of mind.

If you suspect your French Bulldog, Pug, or other flat-faced pet may benefit from BOAS surgery, our team is here to help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and transform your pet’s quality of life.