BOAS Surgery for Dogs in Surrey
BOAS, or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, is a common condition affecting flat-faced dogs. Breeds such as Boston Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs may be particularly affected.
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At Ashley Veterinary Pet Hospital, we offer BOAS assessments and surgery to help improve breathing, comfort and quality of life for affected dogs.
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If your dog struggles to breathe, pants excessively, snores loudly or tires easily during exercise, a BOAS assessment may be recommended. Following a full clinical assessment, our vets can discuss whether surgery may be suitable for your dog.
BOAS is associated with the shortened skull shape seen in flat-faced dogs. Although the face is shorter, the soft tissues within the airway can remain relatively large, which may lead to narrowing and obstruction of airflow.
Common problems can include:
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​An elongated soft palate
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Narrow nostrils
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A narrowed windpipe
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Excess tissue within the throat area
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These changes can make breathing more difficult, particularly during exercise, hot weather or periods of excitement.
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Signs that your dog may benefit from a BOAS assessment can include:
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Noisy breathing when awake or asleep
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Loud snoring
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Heavy panting
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Difficulty cooling down
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Tiring easily on walks
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Gagging, retching or bringing up foam
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Blue or pale gums during exercise
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Collapse in more severe cases
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If your dog is showing any of these signs, we recommend arranging an assessment with one of our vets.
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The procedure required will depend on your dog’s individual airway and clinical assessment.
BOAS surgery may include:
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Widening the nostrils
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Shortening an elongated soft palate
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Removing excess tissue that is obstructing the airway
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Our veterinary team will discuss the recommended procedure with you before any treatment takes place.
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Before recommending surgery, your dog will receive a full assessment at Ashley Veterinary Pet Hospital. This helps us determine whether surgery is appropriate and which procedure may be most beneficial for your pet.
Your dog’s assessment may include:
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A physical examination and airway assessment
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Body condition and weight evaluation
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A detailed discussion about your dog’s symptoms and lifestyle
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Pre-anaesthetic blood tests, if required
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During the appointment, we will also discuss the potential risks, benefits and expected outcome of surgery with you.
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We understand that anaesthesia can be a concern for owners of brachycephalic dogs.
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At Ashley Vets, BOAS surgery is carried out with careful planning, appropriate monitoring equipment and dedicated nursing care.
After BOAS surgery, your dog will:
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Be closely monitored while recovering from the anaesthetic
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Receive appropriate pain relief and supportive care
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Stay with us for observation where required
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Go home with clear aftercare instructions
Many dogs show noticeable improvements in their breathing once the initial swelling settles, with further benefits developing over the following weeks.
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BOAS surgery does not change your dog’s breed characteristics, but it can help improve their comfort and quality of life.
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Depending on your dog and the severity of their condition, potential benefits can include:
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Improved tolerance to exercise
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Easier and quieter breathing
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Better ability to cope in hot weather
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Reduced risk of breathing-related emergencies
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Improved overall wellbeing
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If you are concerned about your dog’s breathing or would like to discuss BOAS surgery, please contact Ashley Veterinary Pet Hospital to arrange an assessment with one of our vets.
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Or call us on 01932 248941 and our team will be happy to help.
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