21/08/2025
Another day, another nose job…
This is Pru from , who underwent BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery. Brachycephalic means squashed or short face. Common breeds include Pugs, Frenchies, other bulldog breeds, CKCS and Boston’s.
How does BOAS impact my pet? Imagine trying to breathe with a constant obstruction, like wearing a mask that restricts airflow all day, every day, or in some cases, like breathing through a straw!! That's what many brachycephalic dogs experience. To make things worse, the excess and abnormal tissue in their throat area is the leading cause of sleep apnea. Sleep deprived, no energy and inability to cool themselves properly is the net result.
BOAS surgery can consist of many combinations which may include some of the following; Nostril widening, turbinectomy, palatoplasty, tonsillectomy and sacculectomy. Together they improve air flow, making it easier and safer to breathe and are one of the most successful and life changing procedures that we perform at GARS.
By surgically widening Pru’s nares and shortening her soft palate, Dr Ricky alleviates her breathing difficulty and improves airflow.
At GARS, we customise surgery to each patient to optimize their airflow. The combination of procedures performed in Pru allowed her, to breathe and sleep properly for the first time in her life. It’s a transformative moment, similar to someone finally being able to take a deep, unrestricted breath after years of struggle.
If your dog is showing signs of BOAS (ie noisy breathing, snoring, struggling with heat or even regurgitating), don’t wait – early treatment is the best treatment. The optimal age is 6months-2years of age, but we do perform these life improving and life saving procedures on dogs even over 12years of age.
