Surgery for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) first involves a detailed history to understand the extent of symptoms a particular dog may have and to provide clear expectations after surgery. Every dog has different anatomy, therefore, surgery outcomes are very different for each animal. Following a history, an airway exam by a surgeon familiar with the complexity of this condition is performed. The exam is performed under anesthesia to allow us to examine the very back of the throat. While under anesthesia, the nose, throat and mouth are cleaned and the proposed surgery is performed. Surgery involves removing the excess tissue that is present causing the obstruction in the airway and typically includes the following: nares resection (widening of the nostrils), palatoplasty (shortening and thinning the soft palate) and sacculectomy (removing the saccules or “balloon” structures that are in the back of the throat). Most dogs require all three procedures. Here at Family Animal Hospital we encourage owners of brachycephalic breeds to consider this surgery next time they’re in for an appointment.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is an animal welfare condition affecting flat faced dogs which leads to severe respiratory distress & life threatening complications.
Shown here is one of our employee's dog Hazel who has these breathing problems. If you notice, they will display a snorting/snoring sound.
Abnormalities that contribute to this disease include an elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, a hypoplastic trachea, aberrant turbinates, and everted laryngeal saccules (a condition which occurs secondary to the other abnormalities). Greater pressures are required during breathing, particularly during inspiration. Over time the increased negative airway pressure results in secondary changes & complications that make it difficult to breathe during exercise, stress, & heat.
Affected dogs may be unable to take deep or fast enough breaths to release carbon dioxide. This leads to distress & further increases respiratory rate & heart rate, creating a vicious cycle that can quickly lead to life-threatening situations such as pneumonia, bronchitis, hyperthermia, and collapse.
Minimally invasive corrective laser airway surgery involves widening the entrance to each nostril, removing excessive tissue within each nostril, and removing the excessive tissue of an elongated soft palate. This combination of procedures is performed without the need for sutures and drastically improves airflow and oxygenation.
Benefits of laser surgery include minimal bleeding, short anesthesia time, reduced pain, swelling, and tissue trauma. Early treatment has been proven to prevent secondary conditions from developing, improve breathing, and improve overall quality of life.
We use Aesculight CO2 laser that vaporizes cleanly and precisely, while sealing blood vessels at the same time. If you would like to see a part of a soft palate surgery, you can view this link of Dr. Zoo's previous surgery video.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cze4dULLcy4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_lin
Sprinkles says she loves having her play times while boarding with us! Did you know that we offer play times and 15 minute walks? Just ask when dropping off for boarding to see if you would like some extra activity for your pets stay ❤️
What a pet really thinks at the vet vs. what actually happens 😂
Come meet Bonnie and Maddox, our foster pups looking for love!
Bonnie, a Virgo, is the fun smart active 2 yr old bull terrier who loves long walks on the beach. Maddox, a Pisces, is the senior shepherd who prefers to read a book by the fireplace. They are also fun together! Could they be your match?❤️♍️♓️💘Starlight Outreach and Rescue to adopt
Battle of the puppy. Who will win? 🏆
Who will get the aggressive cat? 🐱 #bluemondaychallenge #vettechlife #vettech #veterinarytechnician #veterinarylife #vetmed #veterinary #fyp #vetmedhumor
I’m passing the phone to… animal edition!
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During soft palate resection surgery, we hold their mouth open using a sling so that the soft palate can be viewed and grasped. The end portion of the palate is resected (cutting out tissue) before being sewn over to prevent bleeding. By doing this, the soft palate will now remain clear of the epiglottis, while they breathe in. The recovery time can be up to four weeks.
Pretty Girl is patiently waiting for her new family to come by and adopt her! You can come visit her anytime during the week and if you’re interested in fostering/adopting her, you can reach out through starlightoutreachandrescue.org ❤️
Dr. Nicoletti examined “Buddy” today and she found a common rabbit injury. A dislocated hip! Thanks to the x ray we were abole to spot it and clearly diagnosis it. #exocticpets #exoticvetmed #rabbitsofinstagram #rabbitlover #FAH #vetsoftexas #htxveterinarian
Despite his rough start, Germann is a very sweet boy who gets along with other medium to large sized dogs, people, goats, cats and chickens. He is high energy and would do best in a home with older kids.Adoption link in bio. #adoptgsd #petadoptions #germanshepherd #gsdlife #gsdofinstagram #friendswoodtx #sauvierdeschiens
Pawfest is TOMORROW! 2-7 pm. Come and enjoy the afternoon with us!
It’s Friday! Have a great weekend with all your fur babies. 🐶❤️🐱🐰🐹 #furbabies #weekendvibes #friyay #friendswoodtx #vetcare #vetcliniclife #petcare
There are many monthly preventatives that can prevent your pets from getting ear mites. These parasites can spread from pet to pet. Ask us about different methods to treat and prevent ear mites. Call us if you suspect your pet has ear mites. Symptoms include shaking head, pawing and scratching ears. If not taken care of early these mites can lead to secondary infections and issues. 281-482-1594
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September Photo Dump 📷 🐶🐱🐍 #catlover #doglover #vetvisits #exoticvet
