Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

What is Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

As a result of the conformation of short-nosed, flat-faced dogs, partial upper airway obstruction can occur.  The nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea may all be affected to some degree leading to stertor and stridor—noisy and labored breathing, harsh, grating breathing.

How does my dog get Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

This condition is specifically linked to the characteristics commonly bred for in the breeds affected.  Compounding the physical features, obesity, exercise, temperature, anxiety, and other conditions will exacerbate the situation.

How do I know if my dog has Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

Dogs with flat faces may show the signs associated.  These include: stertorous or stridorous breathing; open mouth breathing or panting; snoring; exercise intolerance; collapse. Your veterinarian will take into account the breed, the history, the physical exam findings and perform radiographs to assess the airways for narrowing or overlong soft palate. Sedation may be needed to assess the larynx and pharynx for an overlong soft palate and laryngeal changes.

What can I do about Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

Treatment is directed to avoid obesity, control activity, and symptomatically treat the signs and symptoms. This a lifetime disease so as much as possible should be done to minimize worsening the physical aspects that already exist:  using a harness, minimizing stress, temperature control, etc. There are surgical options available to shorten the palate, remove the laryngeal saccules, and open small nares.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

Very careful breed selection to minimize the physical features is important. If you have a high risk breed, then it is imperative to minimize the risk of precipitating an episode.

Are there certain breeds that get Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome more often?

So called brachycephalic breeds: English bulldogs, Lhasa apso, Pekingese, shar pei, shih tzu, boxers, Boston Terrier, and pug