Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How temporary palatopexy helps brachycephalic dogs breathe better
By Sun, Jessica·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2025·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Temporary palatopexy procedure for brachycephalic obstructive airway crisis in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A brachycephalic dog (like a Bulldog or Pug) experiencing a breathing crisis was treated with a temporary palatopexy, a procedure that helps open the airway by tacking the soft palate in place. This technique improves airflow and can prevent the need for more invasive procedures or even euthanasia. While this is not a permanent solution, it provides critical time for stabilization and further treatment. The dog was able to breathe more easily after the procedure, allowing for better management of its condition.
People also search for: brachycephalic dog breathing problems · temporary palatopexy procedure · how to help dog with airway crisis
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To provide a video tutorial on how to perform a temporary palatopexy in an anesthetized brachycephalic dog. ANIMALS: Brachycephalic dogs. METHODS: To perform a temporary palatopexy, needle drivers, forceps, intubation equipment, and absorbable suture material are needed. In an anesthetized and ideally intubated patient, buried sutures are placed, tacking the free edge of the soft palate to the junction of the hard and soft palate. RESULTS: Temporary palatopexy pulls the soft palate out of the airway to improve airflow and manage brachycephalic upper airway crises. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Temporary palatopexy can be used for brachycephalic obstructive airway crises in an attempt to avoid prolonged intubation, temporary tracheostomy, emergent palatoplasty, euthanasia, or death. This is not intended to replace permanent palatoplasty but to allow time for stabilization/transfer or delay palatoplasty due to the higher complication rate of emergent palatoplasty.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39362275/