We hope that everyone had a safe and dry end to February. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the floods. Luckily, the clinic stayed high and dry.
This month, our head veterinarian Dr David and nurse manager Courtney attended a hands-on 3-day seminar focussing on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a breed-related disorder that means affected animals cannot breathe normally which significantly compromises their welfare. Animals affected by brachycephaly (having a ‘squished’ face) include dog breeds such as the French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Boxer, British Bulldog, and cats such as the Persian and Persian-derived breeds such as the Exotic Shorthair.
The most effective way to ensure the quality of life for the affected breeds is to perform the BOAS surgery. This procedure consists of the soft palate’s thickness being decreased by up to 80%, then folded back on itself. It is then stitched to create a shorter, much thinner soft palate that significantly opens the airways and allows the dog to breathe more normally. We look forward to being able to offer the BOAS surgery within our clinic in the near future.
Brachycephalic breeds have a higher anaesthetic risk, and during this seminar, Dr David and Courtney learned how to manage their anaesthetic considerations. Additionally, they learned how to successfully perform the BOAS surgery, and the pre and post-operative care required for patients.
Signs of BOAS:
- Increased effort during breathing
- Noise during breathing (snoring sounds)
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep apnoea or sleeping problems where dogs will frequently wake up during sleep or adopt an abnormal sleeping position (e.g., sleeping with a toy between their teeth) to avoid airway obstruction during sleep
- Stress and an inability to exercise normally (called exercise intolerance)
- Gastrointestinal disorders which are associated with vomiting, gagging, excessive salivation, regurgitation, and reflex
- Sensitivity to heat including being prone to heat stroke; and
- Sudden collapse
If you have any questions or concerns for your pet or have noticed any of the signs of BOAS, please do not hesitate to give the clinic a call to make an appointment to discuss your options on 3288 1822.
Wishing you and your pets a safe and healthy month of March!
Chelsea - Receptionist
