More than half of brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs suffer from a potentially life-threatening condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS significantly increases the risk of heatstroke during warmer weather. In summer 2023, SASH saw 25 critical cases involving brachycephalic dogs during a single hot weekend. Sadly, some of these dogs passed away as a result of their condition. Surgical correction of BOAS significantly improves the outcome in these critical cases and gives these dogs a new lease on life.
On a single hot weekend in summer 2023, SASH saw 25 critical cases involving brachycephalic dogs
At-risk breeds
Brachycephalic dogs have skull bones that are shortened in length which give the face, snout and nose, a pushed-in appearance. The diagram below shows breeds that are all considered “at risk” for BOAS.
What causes BOAS?
The flat-face and shortened skull results in abnormal anatomy of the upper airways. Brachycephalic dogs typically have narrowed nostrils, overly-long soft palates and excessive tissue around the larynx (in the throat) and within the nasal cavity. The trachea (windpipe) can also be very narrow. They’re also at higher risk of internal hernias which can cause regurgitation.
As a result of their anatomy and narrowed airways, affected dogs can have breathing and digestive difficulties that negatively impact their daily life.
Signs of BOAS
BOAS physically obstructs airflow and causes problems with breathing. Dogs suffering from BOAS may exhibit the following:
- Snoring & trouble sleeping
- Loud or difficult breathing
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Poor tolerance to heat
- Digestive problems, such as regurgitation
Diagnosing BOAS
Your surgeon will gather a great deal of information about your pet by asking you for a detailed clinical history. They may ask questions about how your dog exercises, what noises they make at rest, during exercise and when asleep, and whether they have any digestive issues. Your surgeon will then conduct a physical examination and carefully listen to your dog’s airways with their stethoscope. Often this is all that is required for your surgeon to confidently recommend surgery for your pet.
BOAS Surgery
With the rising popularity of brachycephalic breeds, surgery to treat BOAS is very common. The aim of surgery is to remove excessive tissue to improve the anatomical issues that restrict airflow. Typically, this involves widening the nostrils, shortening the soft palate, and removing excessive tissue around the voice box and back of the throat.
Although BOAS surgery is regularly performed at SASH, like all procedures, it carries a degree of risk. SASH takes all necessary precautions by being one of the only centres in NSW to provide support from both specialist Anaesthesia and specialist Critical Care teams. They work closely with the highly experienced Surgery team to maximise positive outcomes from these surgeries.
After BOAS surgery, it is common for patients to remain overnight for careful, 24/7 monitoring in the ICU, under the care of the specialist Critical Care team.
Outcomes from BOAS surgery
Although we cannot “cure” BOAS, surgery will usually provide a significant improvement to airflow which enhances your dog’s quality of life. Generally, owners will notice reduced noises associated with breathing and a more active and playful dog. They may also see improvement in any pre-existing digestive issues.
With the lead up to summer, BOAS surgery can save lives by reducing the risk and severity of potentially deadly heatstroke. Dogs will often gain the most benefit from BOAS surgery when it is performed early in life, typically between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.
If your dog suffers from snoring, loud breathing, or exercise intolerance, it is recommended for them to be assessed by a veterinarian for BOAS. If BOAS has been determined to be a health or welfare concern, corrective surgery prior to hot weather may be beneficial to reduce to risk of heat stroke and other temperature-related complications
Peace of mind at SASH
SASH is a leader in soft tissue surgery, including BOAS surgery. We understand that many owners are concerned about the prospect of having their dog undergo a procedure. Which is why SASH is one of the few specialist hospital networks in NSW to follow a non-commission based, multidisciplinary approach to ensure treatment is delivered with only you and your pet’s best interest in mind. Your SASH Surgeon will be responsible for the care of your pet from start to finish. This will include thorough discussions around the benefits, risks, and costs associated with surgery, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Our level of care extends beyond pets and we are committed to helping our pet parents during their pet’s procedure. You can have peace of mind knowing that every SASH hospital is open and contactable, 24/7 365 days a year, with a full team of vets and nurses to care for your pet.
SASH will also do everything possible to help make the procedure as financially transparent as possible with our fixed priced BOAS package, regardless of size or breed.
NSW BOAS surgery fixed price package includes:
- Initial consultation with a highly-trained SASH Surgeon
- Customised plan and surgery tailored specifically for your dog
- Specialist Anaesthetist input
- Up to 2 nights of hospitalisation, as required, with 24/7 care and Critical Care Specialist oversight*
- Associated medication
- First recheck
- $5,500 including GST
For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact your nearest SASH hospital.
*Length of hospitalisation to be determined by SASH Surgeon, depending on professional assessment. In the rare event of a serious complication, additional ICU treatments are not covered by the fixed price package
Terms & conditions
Prices valid until 30 June 2025. Packages valid only for scheduled elective BOAS procedures in NSW and does not include emergency surgery. Although the vast majority of patients do not require extended hospitalisation, complications may result in fees not covered by the package. Risks of complications that will incur further fees will be discussed with you by the consulting Surgeon. The package may be subject to change, but no procedures will be performed without the owner’s signed consent. Package inclusions may differ from hospital to hospital. Please contact your local SASH hospital for more details. The consulting SASH Surgeon will advise whether or not a BOAS is recommended for your pet after an initial consult. Initial consults are payable on the day of the consult, and the balance of the package fee is payable as determined by the SASH hospital.