Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

BOAS is a condition affecting flat-faced (brachycephalic) dog breeds like Australian and English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, causing breathing difficulties due to their shortened skull structures.

Signs that your pet may need BOAS surgery include excessive snoring, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and heat sensitivity as well as gastrointestinal problems such as  frequent gagging/regurgitating/vomiting, hiccuping, flatulance, diarrhoea . Our veterinarians will assess your pet's airway and recommend surgery if necessary.

The goal of surgery is to widen the airways as much as possible to allow flow of air from nose/mouth to lungs. This is often multilevel including  widening the nostrils, shortening and thinning the elongated soft palate, and removing inflamed soft tissue structures such as tonsils and laryngeal saccule. 

Yes surgery is considered safe. While there are some risks and complications, as with any surgery, we are fortunate to have a very experienced team who are able to manage these risks. Your vet will talk you through what's involved and our multilevel approach to minimise complication from preoperative medications, to having you present in the recovery to reduce stress for the patient.

The surgery can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life by reducing breathing problems, improving exercise tolerance, improving gut health, and preventing serious complications like heatstroke.

BOAS surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the severity of the condition. Some pets may be able to go home the same day, but an overnight stay may be required for monitoring.

After surgery, your pet may need to rest and avoid vigorous activity for 2 weeks. We will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions, including medication and follow-up visits.

While the surgery is generally safe, potential complications include infection, swelling, or bleeding. We will discuss these risks with you beforehand and monitor your pet closely after surgery.

While the surgery can dramatically improve breathing, some pets may still experience mild symptoms, especially in extreme heat or during heavy exercise. However, most pets see a significant improvement in their overall comfort.

The cost of BOAS surgery depends on the specific procedures required. We provide a detailed estimate after an initial examination and can discuss payment options with you.

If you have never been to the clinic before or it has been some time, bring any relevant medical records, vaccination history, and details about your pet’s diet, medications, or supplements. This information helps the veterinarian get a complete understanding of your pet’s health and speeds up the consultation process.

If your pet has a particular favourite treat, please feel free to bring them with you as well to make the appointment as fear free as possible,