Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Brachycephalic airway syndrome in dogs affects more than breathing
By Mitze, Stefanie et al.·Published in The veterinary quarterly·2022·Zoetis UK Ltd, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: much more than a surgical problem.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Many bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers suffer from a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which makes it hard for them to breathe properly. This can lead to other health issues like gastrointestinal problems and sleep disorders. While surgery can help improve their breathing, ongoing medical care is often needed to ensure these dogs have a good quality of life. It's important for pet owners to recognize that these breathing difficulties are not just normal for their breed and to seek veterinary advice for proper management.
People also search for: bulldog breathing problems · pug airway surgery · Boston terrier health issues · brachycephalic dog care · chronic cough in pugs
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a chronic, lifelong, debilitating, primarily obstructive airway disease which adversely affects the quality of life of many popular dog breeds. Respiratory restriction in bulldog breeds, pugs and Boston terriers frequently co-exist with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, many brachycephalic dogs that appear clinically normal are, in fact suffering from chronic hypoxia and its systemic consequences. Concurrent gastroesophageal reflux-associated conditions, sleep disorders and systemic hypertension further impact the welfare of affected dogs. Acceptance of BOAS and associated clinical signs as being 'normal for the breed' is common amongst owners. While surgical correction of the upper airway is the mainstay of treatment, the provision of subsequent, frequently lifelong medical management is equally important for the maintenance of an acceptable quality of life, at least for some affected patients. Here we review the current knowledge concerning brachycephaly, combine it with shared clinical experience in the management of this debilitating condition, and discuss ethical considerations and the responsibility of veterinarians to contribute public education and to support appropriate breed standards for animals under our care.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36342210/