CORRECTIVE AIRWAY SURGERY

Currently, the best method for diagnosis of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is a combination of:

A full physical examination
Questionnaire about current clinical signs, exercise tolerance and sleeping habits
Exercise tolerance tests such as the respiratory function grading scheme
Visual airway inspection under heavy sedation or general anaesthesia
Diagnostic imaging (e.g. Xrays)

If YOUR DOG IS DIAGNOSED WITH BOAS, Early correctiVE SURGERY is most effective at reducing the chanCe of secondary changes and laryngeal collapse, that can be life threatening.
your dog will be more comfortable following surgery, breathe more easily and be more active. BUT IT IS NOT A CURE.

My approach

Personalised

Our initial consultation aims to assess your dog’s current clinical signs, exercise tolerance and sleeping habits. This initial consultation can be conducted over the phone or in person.
We will then create a personalised treatment plan and discuss risks and benefits of potential surgical intervention.
Targeted

If surgery is indicated based on our initial consultation, I will address the areas of concern via multi-level airway improvement surgery. You may have heard this referred to as 5/5 BOAS surgery.
Integrative

Achieving the best outcome is more than just surgery! I offer a holistic approach and this includes attention to peri-anaesthesia and post-op management.
I’ll be guiding you toward other helpful practices such as weight loss and lifestyle choices too.

If your dog is recommended to have airway surgery, the following will happen on the day of their surgery:

Blood tests are recommended to assess your dog's general health and screen for any other underlying issues.
Pre-medication is given to reduce stress, anxiety and nausea.
Your dog is then pre-oxygenated – given 100% oxygen for 10 minutes prior to anaesthesia.
Your dog will undergo a general anaesthesia
Visual airway assessment.
Radiographs (xrays) of the chest and larynx are taken to check for underlying abnormalities such as tracheal hypoplasia, soft palate thickness, pneumonia and lung pathology.
Radiographs of the hips and spine are also recommended (optional) to assess for spinal problems.
Intravenous fluids and pain relief are given throughout the anaesthetic.

Following airway assessment, we then proceed with surgical correction of abnormalities present. This is often referred to as multi-level airway improvement surgery or "5/5 BOAS surgery":

1. Nares - Ala-Vestibuloplasty - parts of the nostrils and nasal vestibule are removed to open the passage of air into the nostrils.

2. Elongated Soft Palate - staphylectomy - the soft palate is shortened.

3. Tonsils - Tonsillectomy - Tonsils are removed if they are everted or enlarged.

4. Saccules - Sacculectomy - Laryngeal saccules are removed when present.

5. Thickened Soft Palate - Folded flap palatoplasty or H-pharyngoplasty - The palate is thinned in cases of thick soft palates.

Your pet is closely monitored for several hours after surgery. For some patients, you may be asked to be present in the post-operative recovery period to reduce stress and anxiety.
Your dog will be sent home with steroids, pain relief and anti-nausea medication.
To learn more, watch the video by Dr Philip Moses explaining the benefits of multi-level corrective airway surgery.