Soft Tissue Surgery: BOAS

We can now offer an increased soft tissue service, specifically surgery for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This surgery helps to reduce some of the clinical signs associated with BOAS and as a result, improves pet welfare.

BOAS is a feature of cats and dogs with exaggerated facial features. Their muzzle is often short, giving them the ‘flat face’ look common in bulldogs, pugs, and French bulldogs. The skull is often shortened but unfortunately the soft tissue isn’t decreased in length, and this results in breathing problems.

Common issues include:

Stenotic nostrils

These can impair breathing. A wedge resection of the nostril can increase the air flow availability to the pet.

Bulldog

Pug

Frenchie

Shih Tzu

Oversized soft palate

This causes obstructions as it gets sucked into the windpipe. We can look to shorten or thin the soft palpates.

Everted Tonsils

These can narrow the space within the pharynx. The partial removal of these can increase the space and airflow.

Everted laryngeal Sacules

These can often occupy two thirds of the windpipe, obstructing breathing. These can be removed to alleviate the obstruction.

More information about BOAS can be found here.

Dr Kelly Hertitage BSc BVSc MSC PgCert(SAS) MRCVS

Kelly Heritage holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery from the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies. This is the culmination of two years of additional studies, practical assessments, written coursework and examinations.

Kelly has the confidence to offer clients the option of more advanced surgery performed locally, rather than requiring travel to referral centres some distance away. While referral centres can offer the highest levels of specialism and expertise, Kelly feels it is important to offer clients the option of a more local service.