Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Question 1

What does brachycephalic mean?

Answer 1

Short squashed nose (Robins 2011)

Question 2

What breeds are associated with BAS?

Answer 2

Dogs- Pug, english bull dog

Cats- Hymalayan, persian

Question 3

What are the primary contributors to the syndrome?

Answer 3

• Stenotic nares (very pinched together)
• Elongated soft palate (covers epiglottis)
• Hypoplasitc trachea (softened cartillage in trachea therefore can easily collapse)

Question 4

What are the secondary effects of BAS?

Answer 4

• Eversion of laryngeal surgery
• Laryngeal collapse
• Hyperthermia
• Chronic hypoxia
• Obstructure airway crisis
• Odema and enlarged tonsils

Question 5

What treatment can be used if an animal has BAS?

Answer 5

-Stenotic nare surgery, makes nostrills bigger to allow more air in
-Soft palate restriction, stops tongue overhanging epiglottis
-Removal of laryngeal saccules/ventricles
-Remove cartillage so cant collapse
Partial arytenochordectomy or if not enough tracheotomy

Question 6

How can you prevent BAS?

Answer 6

• Dont breed suffers, or only breed from animals that dont suffer.
• Preventative corrective surgery

Question 7

Generally what is seen with BAS? (Signs)

Answer 7

Coughing
Nosy breathing
Grunting
Eating problems
Exercise intolerant
Obesity