06/07/2020
What is BOAS?
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is a collective name for a group of separate conditions which alter breathing, affecting around 50% of short-nosed dogs
1. Long Soft Palate
Bred for a short nose, the skull shape of flat faced breeds is more compressed. However the soft tissues around have not shorted, so the soft palate is longer than the skull space and flops back to cover the airway
2. Long Tongue
In dogs affected by BOAS the tongue is often disproportionately too long for the shortened face, which further obstructs airflow in the mouth and throat
3. Small Nostrils
Aka ‘Stenotic Nares’ short nosed breeds are often afflicted with very tiny nostrils, making it very difficult to get any airflow in through the nose
4. Short Nose
As the skull is shorter, the nostrils have bunched up and become twisted and condensed inside the flatter shape. This increases the amount of work needed to draw air in through the nostrils.
As a result of increased effort to breathe, these dogs may go on to develop secondary heart complications and often vomit from the excess strain of breathing in
Not all short nose dogs will be affected by BOAS, but the ones who are may go on to require surgery to open their airways. With increased awareness, breeders are starting to select for slightly longer noses and wider nostrils - swipe 👉 to see - Cambridge Uni & The Kennel Club have developed the “Respiratory Function Grading Scheme” to promote better breeding and reduce the incidence of BOAS for future generations
If you are currently looking to get a short-nose puppy (or know anyone who is), please check out this scheme and aim for a RFGS tested breeder with Grade 0 parents
@ London, United Kingdom
