Brachycephalic syndrome is a combination of upper airway abnormalities that occur because of the skull structure of certain small breeds of dogs. These abnormalities include an elongated soft palate that may make it difficult for a dog to breathe, or everted laryngeal saccules that can cause airway obstruction. Stenotic nares is the term for narrowed nostrils that can also restrict airflow and this is another possibility with brachycephalic syndrome.

It is flat-face and short-snout breeds of dogs that will develop this condition, and breeds most at risk of it include Boston terriers, boxers, bulldogs, cavalier king Charles spaniels, Chinese shar-peis, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus.

What Causes Brachycephalic Syndrome?

It is the shortened bones in the nose and face of these types of dogs that is behind what cause brachycephalic syndrome. These abnormalities can be worse for some animals because of congenital defects as well, and this is why some dogs will have even worse breathing difficulties because of brachycephalic syndrome. Prolonged stress and pressure created in the airway can also lead to secondary abnormalities, including everted tonsils that can become enlarged and narrow the pharynx.

Brachycephalic Syndrome Symptoms

A dog that has respiratory troubles because of brachycephalic syndrome is going to have very noticeable symptoms, and they include noisy breathing, snuffling, snoring, coughing and raspiness, snorting while active or exercising, heat intolerance, and gagging and retching. Reverse sneezing is when a dog suddenly and explosively pulls air into their nose and makes a snorting sound. It is also among possible brachycephalic syndrome symptoms.

Brachycephalic Syndrome Treatment

The only two approaches possible brachycephalic syndrome treatment are lifestyle management or surgery. Lifestyle management will include keeping the dog at a lower body weight, limiting exercise levels, and helping them avoid heat and humidity. Surgery for brachycephalic syndrome treatment can involve different approaches, ranging from widening the stenotic nares to improve airflow to resection or removal of everted laryngeal saccules to unblock the larynx. It is also possible that surgery may be done to remove excess plate tissue so that the trachea is less obstructed.