Nose and Airway Surgery for Pets
The French bulldog, bulldog, pug, pekingese, shih tzu, Japanese chin, boxer and Boston terrier are all examples of brachycephalic breeds. The most distinctive feature of these breeds is their short muzzle. The respiratory disease related to brachycephalic conformation is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
Treatment for BOAS in dogs (surgery) involves widening the nostrils, shortening the soft palate and removing excessive tissue around the larynx. At AMC, we are able to perform these procedures effectively and quickly using the c02 laser treatment.
Functional Grading System : BOAS clinical signs may not be present at rest in some moderately affected dogs. Therefore, functional grading based on a 3-minute trotting exercise tolerance test is suggested.
Grade 0: clinically unaffected. Annual health check is suggested if the dog is under 2 years old.
Grade 1: clinically unaffected but with mild respiratory signs, annual health check is suggested if the dog is under 3 years old
Grade II : clinically affected with moderate respiratory noise and they require management and/or treatment such as weight loss or surgical intervention. These guys have moderate respiratory signs.
Grade III –BOAS affected with severe respiratory signs. The dog should have a thorough veterinary examination with surgical intervention.
Link to attach on website: https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/boas/about-boas/recognition-diagnosis