Overview:
Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome, or more commonly referred to as Brachycephalic syndrome or abbreviated BAOS, is a syndrome that leads to respiratory distress in the affected breeds of dogs (CIDD). Brachycephalia is best described as a chondrodysplasia that has been a product of selected breeding of domesticated breeds of dogs and cats (Koch). Breed standards often encourage and require these negative anatomical features, ensuring these abnormalities are continually bred into future generations (CIDD). Some common breeds that suffer from Brachycephalia are the Pug, Boston Terriers and English Bull Dogs. These dogs generally have short muzzles and noses which causes their throats and airways to often be flat or undersized (AVCS). Dogs that are considered bradycephalic often suffer from dyspnea, are risky patients for anesthesia, are more susceptible to heat and exercise intolerance and are much more likely to suffer from tracheal collapse than non-brachycephalic animals. Medical treatments, surgeries and proper lifestyle choices are options for dogs that have Brachycephalic Syndrome and treatment is based off of the severity of the syndrome in the dog (CIDD).
Anatomy of the …show more content…
On an auditory aspect, these breeds of dogs will often be generally loud breathers. Increased panting, snorting and snoring are a few things most owners experience on a daily basis. Some dogs with more severe forms of Brachycephalic Syndrome will cough and gag. Overheating is a big issue and is caused when the increase of panting swells and narrows the airways even more than they already are which leads to increased anxiety in the dog(CIDD). Excessive heat, exercise and excitement can cause cyanosis and collapse, and dogs that are overweight can exacerbate these issues even more (ACVS). A general severe dyspnea is very commonplace