Does anyone have a dog who's had BOAS surgery?

[Lorelei]

One of mine has to have this done and I'm very worried, if anyone has been through this, has any tips or special PS dust to send, I'd be most grateful please. x

 

[Cluless]

Sorry Lorelei no tips here, just wanted to send buckets of dust for everything to go smoothly. You'll be in my thoughts.

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks Cluless, I appreciate it! He has to have a test tomorrow and Thursday's the day.

 

[daneshpastry]

I had a french bulldog that was a candidate for this treatment.

I ended up deciding not to go through with it - we use alternatives. In his case, the obstructions were triggered by heat, which would make oversalivate, which would "clog" his throat. He basically learned to sleep with a bone in his mouth so that he didn't have to breath through his nose, and we kept him in air conditioned environments at all times. His trips outside in the summer were limited to under 5 minutes.

Sorry you're going through this - and that my story probably doesn't help your situation at all. Hang in there.

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks Dane, that does help actually.

My little guy is a Peke, he also has the reflux that can go with it that makes aspiration more of a risk. Do you still have your little one?

 

[Scandinavian]

Tons of dust <3

 

[Lorelei]

Tons of dust <3

Thank you, I need all the dust I can get! I have such cold feet and keep swinging between having it done and not. I am fortunate that I'm at one of the best referral centres in Europe so there's that, the vet is a world specialist in soft tissue surgery.

 

[daneshpastry]

Thanks Dane, that does help actually.

My little guy is a Peke, he also has the reflux that can go with it that makes aspiration more of a risk. Do you still have your little one?

No, he passed away a few years ago.

He had the annoying reflux too - he projectile vomited non-stop. At first they thought it was one thing, then another, then another - he ended up having exploratory surgery where they removed some of the lining of his stomach, which they felt was thickened. It did nothing.

After all the drama I went through - I ended up trying new foods until I found one that he could digest quickly. Luckily I didn't have to resort to one of those weird dog-high-chair things. I was also fortunate that he was clever enough to realize he could breath easier with a bone in his mouth - so he just carried it around with him everywhere (one of those cheap NylaBones).

After a solid 10 years, he passed away in his sleep. I miss him so much. His name was Pierre.

 

[daneshpastry]

Thanks Dane, that does help actually.

My little guy is a Peke, he also has the reflux that can go with it that makes aspiration more of a risk. Do you still have your little one?

Back to your little guy - are they just going to enlarge his nostrils - or is it more involved than that?

 

[Lorelei]

Back to your little guy - are they just going to enlarge his nostrils - or is it more involved than that?

Oh Pierre was so special, I'm very sorry for your loss.

My little man is 2 so he's young, the plan is to do the nostrils and reduce the soft palate, for now they would leave the laryngeal saccules in place due to the risk of further swelling and as he's young, they feel he might not need that anyway.

He's on reflux meds, anti nausea drugs and tomorrow I've to take him back for the fluoroscopy, he wouldn't eat for them yesterday so I have to bring him a packed lunch of cheddar cheese, mozarella, poached chicken, hard boiled egg and Caesar small dog so they can get him to eat something, those are all his favourites. Thankfully his weight is good so that helps.
They offered him dry kibble to mix the medicine for the procedure in then he was of course completely suspicious and wouldn't eat their tinned meat.

 

[daneshpastry]

Oh Pierre was so special, I'm very sorry for your loss.

My little man is 2 so he's young, the plan is to do the nostrils and reduce the soft palate, for now they would leave the laryngeal saccules in place due to the risk of further swelling and as he's young, they feel he might not need that anyway.

He's on reflux meds, anti nausea drugs and tomorrow I've to take him back for the fluoroscopy, he wouldn't eat for them yesterday so I have to bring him a packed lunch of cheddar cheese, mozarella, poached chicken, hard boiled egg and Caesar small dog so they can get him to eat something, those are all his favourites. Thankfully his weight is good so that helps.
They offered him dry kibble to mix the medicine for the procedure in then he was of course completely suspicious and wouldn't eat their tinned meat.

Thanks

So sorry you're dealing with this - one thing I'll mention though, is that when one vet said he would benefit greatly from having his nostrils altered - I brought him to another who completely disagreed. So just keep in mind that everything is subjective, and if you can access a vet who specialized in his breed (or similar), that would be very insightful. To find out, call a pug rescue (or similar) to see who they use. I ended up finding a vet who used to breed Frenchies.

 

[CareBear]

@Lorelei I am so sorry to hear that your furbaby might need surgery! Sending lots of dust your way!

 

[Arcadian]

I'm so sorry to hear about your puppy. Lots of healthy and loving dust!

 

[sarahb]

Nothing like the distress when a fur baby is sick, sending hugs, dust & wishes for a great outcome!!

 

[AGBF]

I did not know what BOAS was and had to look it up. I do not believe I saw another link to an explanation in this thread, although I may have missed one that is here, so I am posting the one I found in case it can be useful to anyone else. Usually if one has an animal that has had some disease or surgery, he knows the diseases and surgeries the animal has had by their acronyms. I wondered if any of mine might have had BOAS, however. (They did not.) Two did have larnygeal paralysis, however, which also affects breathing. I am very sorry your dog has this, Lorelei, and I send prayers and dust.

BOAS in Dogs...https://www.willows.uk.net/specialist-services/pet-health-information/soft-tissue/boas

(((Lorelei)))
Deb

PS-Pierre is adorable. I am so sorry for his loss, daneshpastry.

 

[ecf8503]

Hi Lorelei!

I haven't examined your dog of course, but many brachycephalic animals would benefit from the procedure. If you are at one of the top referral centers in Europe, with a board certified surgeon, I think you're in good hands. Many animals, both dogs and cats, improve dramatically after surgery. The potential for it "not to work" exists, but it really can't hurt even if it isn't a complete cure. It takes stress off the heart, reduces the chances for future tracheal collapse, etc. I've seen several patients who had a new lease on life afterward, and I personally think it is worth doing. It's a shame what we've done with breeding practices, but for those alive now suffering with this and struggling for every breath the surgery can be a literal lifesaver!

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/boas/about-boas

 

[daneshpastry]

Thank you, I need all the dust I can get! I have such cold feet and keep swinging between having it done and not. I am fortunate that I'm at one of the best referral centres in Europe so there's that, the vet is a world specialist in soft tissue surgery.

I'm sorry I missed this comment when I advised of a second opinion. My apologies.

 

[stracci2000]

Lorelei, I hope all goes well with your fur baby!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Lorelei!

I haven't examined your dog of course, but many brachycephalic animals would benefit from the procedure. If you are at one of the top referral centers in Europe, with a board certified surgeon, I think you're in good hands. Many animals, both dogs and cats, improve dramatically after surgery. The potential for it "not to work" exists, but it really can't hurt even if it isn't a complete cure. It takes stress off the heart, reduces the chances for future tracheal collapse, etc. I've seen several patients who had a new lease on life afterward, and I personally think it is worth doing. It's a shame what we've done with breeding practices, but for those alive now suffering with this and struggling for every breath the surgery can be a literal lifesaver!

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/boas/about-boas

Thanks C, I am indeed fortunate to be at one of the best referral centres in Europe with a world renowned soft tissue expert. The main worry with him is the aspiration risk and I'm so scared I'm thinking of not having it done because of that.....I just don't know what to do.

 

[tradergirl]

Three times. Three different French Bulldogs. The third one ended up with laryngeal collapse and needed a permanent tracheostomy. The bills were horrific but I did have pet insurance. All three of them came through the surgery fine. The first two did fine for years. The third one died 10 months later but he was over 9 years old and ultimately, the tracheostomy created a negative pressure in his lungs and he went into respiratory failure. I did get those 10 months through and he was more or less okay during that time. I have one Frenchie left and I'm done with it after that. I love them but the health problems are just too much.

 

[tradergirl]

and to go on, the Frenchie I still have is going to need this surgery too. He has very constricted nares and I can tell it's coming. He's only two years old. I'll probably have it done this winter.

Don't worry too much. They do fine if the surgeon knows how to do it right.

 

[foxinsox]

I’ve got two pugs - both with generally very good breathing, great exercise tolerance and little snoring. I’m concerned about one of our little guys who pants a lot sometimes even when he’s not exerting himself or it’s not hot. We’re observing his behaviour for now and will follow up with the vet once we’ve got a better idea of what’s happening. If he turns out to have BOAS, we’ll do the surgery, no question. Yes there is a risk but I can’t in good conscience let him struggle more than he needs to if I can help him breathe better. The long term strain on his body worries me more than the surgical risk as I know it will shorten his lifespan (and they don’t live long enough for my heart as it is).
He’s the fitter and more active of the two so his panting could be an anxiety thing, we’re still trying to work out what’s happening.
Anyway TL;DR, ALL the dust for your little guy. I hope he gets the surgery, recovers with no issues and is bouncing around in no time. Or if you don’t get the surgery, that his problems can be managed with other means so he is breathing properly and comfortably.

 

[missy]

Dear @Lorelei I am very sorry you and your darling dog are dealing with this. I am sending bucketloads and bucketloads of good luck dust and healing thoughts to your sweet dog and praying for a successful surgery and outcome. (((HUGS))).

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks everyone! Just got back from taking him for another try with the fluoroscopy ( they want to check for megaoesophagus) and the little beggar wouldn't eat any of the delicious foods I packed....*sigh* so they weren't able to do it.

So in the morning he's due to have a scan then surgery.

 

[missy]

Thanks everyone! Just got back from taking him for another try with the fluoroscopy ( they want to check for megaoesophagus) and the little beggar wouldn't eat any of the delicious foods I packed....*sigh* so they weren't able to do it.

So in the morning he's due to have a scan then surgery.

Good luck to you both Lorelei. Fingers and toes and everything crossed for you. Hoping it goes well and you receive good news.
(((Hugs))).

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Lorelei!

I haven't examined your dog of course, but many brachycephalic animals would benefit from the procedure. If you are at one of the top referral centers in Europe, with a board certified surgeon, I think you're in good hands. Many animals, both dogs and cats, improve dramatically after surgery. The potential for it "not to work" exists, but it really can't hurt even if it isn't a complete cure. It takes stress off the heart, reduces the chances for future tracheal collapse, etc. I've seen several patients who had a new lease on life afterward, and I personally think it is worth doing. It's a shame what we've done with breeding practices, but for those alive now suffering with this and struggling for every breath the surgery can be a literal lifesaver!

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/boas/about-boas

and to go on, the Frenchie I still have is going to need this surgery too. He has very constricted nares and I can tell it's coming. He's only two years old. I'll probably have it done this winter.

Don't worry too much. They do fine if the surgeon knows how to do it right.

They say the sooner the better don't they, while the dog is young. The surgeon is among the best in the world so I'm very fortunate and it's a case of now or never as she won't be available in 3 weeks due to her going on extended leave. Plus a friend of mine used to work at this referral centre and said this surgeon is the absolute best and heaved a sigh of relief to know she'd be doing the procedure so I guess it has to be now.

 

[ecf8503]

Good luck - please keep us posted!

 

[Lorelei]

Good luck - please keep us posted!

Will do C and thank you. He's there now, I feel so so sick.....

 

[foxinsox]

They’ll look after him and do everything they can to make sure he’s ok. Lots of dust and puppy licks

 

[Lorelei]

Thanks Fox, waiting to hear if he's through the surgery, I've nearly gnawed my nails off.