Elongated Soft Palate

How does my dog get Elongated Soft Palate?
This condition is common in those breeds with the so-called shorter faces and thus appears to be linked to some specific anatomic features found as a result of breeding the brachycephalic breeds.

How do I know if my dog has Elongated Soft Palate?
The classic signs of brachycephalic syndrome include noisy breathing, open mouth breathing, panting, snoring, and may progress to collapse, exercise intolerance and other signs related to swallowing air. There are multiple conditions within brachycephalic syndrome. Your veterinarian will need to perform a thorough examination. Further examination under sedation may be needed to identify WHICH one or more of the many conditions causing the classic signs is present. Radiographs may also be needed.

What can I do about Elongated Soft Palate?
Once the diagnosis is confimed, treatment is aimed to helping to maintain an open airway and minimize the associated distress. Surgical procedures to shorten the palate are done and have an associated risk but are effective in opening the airways. Medical management is of little direct effect but drugs to minimize stress may be useful. In those cases where the dog is overweight, dietary management is imperative. Controlling activity may also help control clinical signs but will worsen the obesity issues.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Elongated Soft Palate?
Breed selection is step number one in preventing. If you already have a high risk breed than weight control, stress reduction, and exercise monitoring will help the condition from having an even greater impact.

Are there certain breeds that get Elongated Soft Palate more often?
Boston terrier, Chinese shar pei, English bulldog, pug, French bulldog, Boxers, Lhasa apso, Pekingese, and shih tzu, are most commonly effected by brachycephalic syndrome and thus have the likelihood of having an elongated palate.