Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (otherwise known as - BOAS: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, otherwise known as BOAS is a condition affecting the respiratory function of a number of breeds; including Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs. Such breeds have characteristically noisy, heavy breathing and can excessively pant - this should not be viewed as normal, but a conformity defect which needs assessment and where required surgical intervention to improve your dogs quality of life.
These dogs have been bred over generations to have abnormally flat, wide-shaped heads. The soft tissue in their nose and throat can be excessive in some of these dogs making it difficult for them to breathe. Often compared to breathing though a straw at rest, BOAS presents a welfare issue for your dog and this is why we recommend your dog is assessed. Nose and/or throat surgery (rhinoplasty, staphylectomy and/or laryngeal sacculectomy surgery) may be recommended to improve your dogs breathing.
We offer BOAS assessment and the required surgical procedures at Millennium.
The breeding of any dog should not be carried out without advise, this is even more important where the breed or part of a breed mix is know to have inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia or in this case BOAS. Screening is vital to help prevent the spread and worsening of the condition/s to the next generation of pups. Veterinary Surgeon, Lindsey Nice, is recognised by the Kennel Clubs Respiratory Function Grading Scheme as an assessor for the East of England region. Contact us for further advise.
For more information on the Kennel Club Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, click here.
For your own Kennel Club Owner's Guide click here