Short noses and flat faces help may make pugs and French bulldogs irresistible, but the health issues that accompany these features are anything but cute.
A new clinical trial at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is examining how well surgery works for dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a respiratory condition affecting many popular flat-faced breeds.
BOAS restricts a dog’s ability to breathe and can lead to difficulty exercising, sleep apnea, heat stroke, digestive issues and, in severe cases, life-threatening respiratory distress. Surgery to treat the condition involves removing excess soft tissue in the airway to help dogs breathe more comfortably and move more freely.
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