Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome Corrective Surgery

Helping Short-Nosed Pets Breathe More Comfortably

Brachycephalic breeds—including French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and other short-nosed breeds—can be prone to breathing difficulties due to the unique shape of their airways. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) occurs when anatomical changes make it harder for a pet to move air comfortably.

Our clinic offers brachycephalic airway corrective surgery, including stenotic nares repair and soft palate correction, to help improve airflow and make breathing easier for eligible pets.

What Is Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is a collection of airway abnormalities that can affect short-nosed breeds. Common contributing factors include:

• Stenotic nares: Narrowed nostrils that restrict the amount of air a pet can breathe through their nose.

• Elongated or thickened soft palate: Excess tissue at the back of the mouth that can partially obstruct the airway.

• Other airway changes: Some pets may develop additional changes that contribute to breathing difficulties.

Signs can include noisy breathing, snoring, gagging, exercise intolerance, difficulty staying cool, or increased breathing effort—particularly during exercise, excitement, or warm weather.

Stenotic Nares Repair

Stenotic nares, or narrowed nostrils, can make it difficult for a pet to breathe freely through their nose.

During stenotic nares repair, excess tissue is carefully removed or reshaped to widen the nostrils and improve airflow. This can make breathing more comfortable and reduce the effort required to move air through the nose.

Soft Palate Correction

An elongated or thickened soft palate can extend too far into the throat and interfere with normal airflow.

Soft palate correction involves carefully shortening and/or reshaping the soft palate to reduce obstruction and improve airflow through the back of the throat.

The specific technique used will depend on your pet’s individual anatomy and needs.

Potential Benefits for Your Pet

Corrective airway surgery may help:

• Improve airflow and breathing comfort

• Reduce noisy breathing and snoring

• Decrease breathing effort

• Improve exercise tolerance

• Help pets better tolerate heat and activity

• Reduce the risk of severe airway obstruction

• Improve overall comfort and quality of life

Every pet is different, and the expected benefits depend on the severity and type of airway abnormalities present.

Is Surgery Right for Your Pet?

Not every short-nosed pet requires corrective surgery. Our veterinary team will evaluate your pet’s breathing, anatomy, overall health, and individual needs to determine whether surgery may be beneficial.

If surgery is recommended, we’ll discuss the procedures that are appropriate for your pet—including stenotic nares repair, soft palate correction, or both—and explain what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.

Helping Your Pet Breathe Easier

We love the unique personalities and adorable faces of short-nosed breeds, and we want them to enjoy life as comfortably as possible. Our goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care that helps improve your pet’s breathing, comfort, and quality of life.