27/10/2025
Meet Bear 🐾
Bear, a young French Bulldog, was referred to our hospital for further investigations into his severe, life-limiting heart disease, and assessment of his severe brachycephalic airway issues.
Cardiac investigations confirmed that Bear had severe pulmonic stenosis — a congenital defect that was placing considerable strain on his heart. Without intervention, his prognosis was sadly very poor, with a significantly shortened life expectancy.
Following careful planning and collaboration between our anaesthesia, soft tissue surgery, cardiology, ICU, and nursing teams, Bear first underwent BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery to improve his breathing and overall quality of life, but also to make him a safer candidate for the anaesthetic required for a planned cardiac intervention.
A few weeks later, and once he had completely recovered from his BOAS surgery, Bear underwent a successful transvalvular pulmonic stent angioplasty. This complex procedure significantly improved blood flow through his heart and helped to relieve the pressure it was under.
Bear’s journey highlights the strength and value of a truly multidisciplinary approach in managing complex and high-risk cases. Our hospital is equipped to provide coordinated, specialist-led care tailored to each patient’s individual needs, with all teams working closely together from diagnosis through to recovery.
We’re delighted to share that Bear is now recovering well — and facing a much brighter future, thanks to the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved in his care.
