Brachycephalic dogs with BOAS (Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) are twice as likely to have anesthesia complications as nonbrachycephalic dogs. Common causes of BOAS is ​Narrow nares (nostrils), Overlong palate, Secondary effects such as collapse of the larynx (voice box), and Tracheal hypoplasia (the trachea or windpipe is too small for the size of animal).

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The most commonly encountered surgical complications are:

• Inflammation that can obstruct the larynx and trachea, leading to respiratory distress

• Hemorrhage from the lateral aspect of the soft palate or caudal aspect of the tonsillar crypt

• Coughing and/or gagging

• Nasal discharge

• Voice change

• Regurgitation and/or vomiting

• Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema

• Aspiration pneumonia

• Infection

• Dehiscence

• Sloughing of the pigmented layer of the skin after laser rhinoplasty

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Due to these risks we have surgical restrictions on all Brachycephalic dog breeds.

We are no longer able to accommodate surgery for French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs.

Brachycephalic dogs with BOAS are twice as likely to have anesthesia complications as nonbrachycephalic dogs, therefore we will need all Brachycephalic dogs to come in for a pre-surgical check and to sign a high-risk waiver if surgery is approved.