Meet the lovely Ernest who came to us for Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) surgery to alleviate his breathing issues.

BOAS surgery involves removing excess tissue that is causing obstruction along the airway which then widens the passage for air flow.

BOAS is a breed related disorder that obstructs the air flow to the lungs due to shortened skull and muzzle. Clinical signs vary in severity from mild snoring to severe breathing problems.

Airway abnormalities that characterise BOAS include narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, enlarged tongue, and reduced size of the windpipe. Those most severely affected are French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs.

*written by Student Veterinary Nurse Cassandra Morton (04.01.2023)