All About BOAS | BUBBY'S PILLOW

More About BRACYCEPHALIC OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY SYNDROME

Here's some important information about BOAS. If your animal shows any of these signs, consult your veterinarian. Many pets with BOAS require surgery or have special needs.

SYMPTOMS

Dyspnea (breathing difficulty)
Noisy/labored breathing
Stridor (high pitched wheezing)
Continued open-mouth breathing
Extending of head and neck to keep airway open. Raising of head while sleeping in order to breathe or to gasp for air.
Sitting up or keeping chin in an elevated position when sleeping
Sleeping with toy between teeth to keep mouth open to compensate for nasal obstruction.
Sleep apnea. This could lead to the animal feeling drowsy during the day, low energy, frequently dozing off, or urinating while sleeping.
Stress and heat intolerance during exercise. You may not even recognize the struggle to breathe until they stop the activity. The may suddenly enter into respiratory distress without warning.
Snoring. Your animal may have always snored, or snores while in certain positions. Maybe you never thought much about it. Snoring is an indication that they're not getting the air they need for a good rest. This can lead to health problems, and even a shortened life expectancy.
Gagging/coughing/regurgitation/vomiting/gastrointestinal reflux
Fatigue Acting or appearing to be tired, frequent napping, lack of energy
♥ Cyanosis Blue/purple discoloration of the skin, gums or tongue, due to poor blood oxygenation in the lungs
♥ Collapse Not getting enough air, being overheated, or respiratory distress can cause collapse, unconsciousness, and even death. If any of these things happen, you must lower your animal's body temperature immediately. Apply cool or cooling towels, place or hold them in front of a fan, wipe them down with cool water in front of the fan, have them lay on a cooling pad. Focus on cooling their chest and neck first. You can allow them to drink water, but not too much or they may vomit. DO NOT place the animal in ice water, as the extreme change in temperature could be harmful.

♥ These are life threatening emergency situations-Seek veterinary advice or attention immediately.

BOAS syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of the dog's breed, clinical signs, and results of a physical examination by a veterinarian. Stenotic nares (abnormal nostrils) can usually be diagnosed on visual inspection. Diagnosis of an elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, or other associated anatomical changes in the mouth will require heavy sedation or full general anesthesia.

Treatment may consist of surgery for widening the nostrils, removing the excess tissue of an elongated soft palate, or removing everted laryngeal saccules. Early treatment prevents secondary conditions from developing. Potential complications include hemorrhages, pain, and inflammation during and after surgery. With CO2 surgical lasers, these complications are greatly diminished. It's important to use a veterinarian who is familiar with this syndrome and this type of surgery. Upper respiratory disorders have been the cause of death for a very high percentage of dogs with extreme brachycephalic conformation (Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs) compared to all other breeds of dogs. The lifespan of dogs with extreme brachycephalic conformation is younger (8-9 years) compared to all other breeds of dogs (12-13 years). Severe BOAS can lead to sudden death of dogs and cats, similar to SIDS in children.

NOTE: Bubby's Pillow™ may improve your pets breathing and sleeping, resulting in a better quality of life with less health problems. But, it is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your furry loved one exhibits any of these BOAS symptoms, or if you suspect they are at risk, consult your vet immediately.

TIPS & PREVENTION OF BOAS

To prevent or limit exacerbation of symptoms, avoid stress and high heated climates. Maintain ideal body weight and avoid overfeeding. An animal with BOAS who's obese is twice as likely to shows signs of BOAS compared to other animals. Use "no pull" harnesses instead of collars to avoid pressure on the trachea. Use a raised bowl for feeding. Eating while the airway is bent or closed can further promote breathing difficulties, vomiting, gagging, choking, or gastrointestinal reflux. Offer small size dry food. In severe cases a food processor can chop the food even smaller, perhaps even adding a little water or bone broth, making it easier to swallow. Feed the animal smaller amounts throughout the day if possible. Make sure treats are small, especially if your dog tends to swallow them whole.

The risk of Brachycephalic Syndrome increases as the muzzle becomes shorter. To avoid producing dogs with serious cases of BOAS, breeders should pay attention to breeding animals with more moderate features, rather than those with extremely short or flat faces. Dogs and cats with severe breathing difficulties, or those serious enough to require surgery, should not be used for breeding.

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