Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery outcomes for airway blockage in Australian brachycephalic dogs
By Torrez, C V & Hunt, G B·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2006·University Veterinary Centre, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Results of surgical correction of abnormalities associated with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome in dogs in Australia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 73 dogs with breathing problems related to brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (a condition common in flat-faced breeds) underwent surgery to correct their issues. Many of these dogs, including pugs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, had additional problems like laryngeal collapse, which can worsen breathing difficulties. After surgery, over half of the dogs showed significant improvement, although some still experienced symptoms like snoring and excessive panting. Overall, the long-term outcomes were positive, with most dogs benefiting from the surgery despite not all symptoms disappearing completely.
People also search for: dog breathing problems surgery · pug airway obstruction treatment · Cavalier King Charles spaniel snoring issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical features of brachycephalic airway obstructive disease in dogs, the incidence of laryngeal collapse in dogs presenting for surgery and the outcome after surgery in dogs with laryngeal collapse. METHODS: Basic clinical details were reviewed retrospectively in 73 dogs. Presence of laryngeal collapse and short-term outcomes after surgery were determined for 64 dogs with complete medical records. Long-term outcomes were reviewed for 46 dogs by telephone survey between 19 and 77 months following surgery. RESULTS: Stenotic nares were present in 31 dogs (42.5 per cent), elongated soft palate in 63 (86.3 per cent) and everted laryngeal saccules in 43 (58.9 per cent). The most common breeds were the pug (19 dogs, 26 per cent), Cavalier King Charles spaniel (15 dogs, 20.5 per cent), British bulldog (14 dogs, 19.2 per cent) and Staffordshire bull terrier (4 dogs, 5.5 per cent). Laryngeal collapse was present in 34 of 64 (53 per cent) dogs. No dogs died perioperatively and only one dog was euthanased as a result of its respiratory disease three years after surgery. Telephone interviews indicated that 26 dogs (56.5 per cent) were much improved after surgery, 15 (32.6 per cent) had some improvement and 5 (10.9 per cent) showed no improvement. Signs that persisted after surgery were snoring during sleep (34 dogs, 73.9 per cent), stertor/stridor while conscious (23 dogs, 50 per cent), excessive panting (13 dogs, 28.3 per cent) and dyspnoea (10 dogs, 21.7 per cent). Long-term outcome was considered good, even in dogs with laryngeal collapse. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laryngeal collapse is relatively common in dogs presented for surgical correction of brachycephalic airway obstructive disease. Dogs with severe laryngeal collapse often respond well to surgery. Clinical signs rarely resolve completely following surgery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16512847/