Brachycephalic Syndrome

For the French Bulldog Lover!

Julie Blossom

4th year Vet Student

Colorado State University

What does “brachycephalic” mean?

“brachy” = “short” “dolicho” = “long”

“mesati = medium”

“cephal(o)” = “head”

WHO is considered brachycephalic??

When is being brachycephalic a problem?

“Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome” is a specific veterinary term used to describe brachycephalic animals with o:ne or more of the following medical problems

1) Elongated soft palate

2) Stenotic nares

3) Everted laryngeal saccules4) Hypoplastic (stenotic) trachea

In English please??

• Stenotic nares

• Elongated soft palate

• Hypoplastic (or stenotic) trachea: a windpipe that is too narrow

• Everted laryngeal saccules: small flaps of tissue that get sucked into the airway when the dog has these above problems.

Symptoms

• Constant open mouth breathing • Noisy breathing • Excessive snoring • Choking and gagging • Cyanosis (blue-tinged color)• Exercise intolerance

What can you do?

• Recognize when there may be a problem and consult your vet sooner rather than later.

• Many dogs with Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome can be helped with surgery…

• Help eliminate this syndrome by supporting responsible breeding.

Surgical Options• Stenotic nares

“Wedge Resection” +/- “Lateral Cartilage Amputation.”

Surgical Options

• Elongated Soft Palate

“Soft Palate Resection” – taking off a piece

Brachycephalic dogs are also prone to:

• Heat stress (ineffective panting/cooling)

• Eye problems, including dry eye, irritation, proptosis (popping out)

Any Questions?

RESOURCES for YOU

• http:// www . veterinarypartner . com

American College of Vet Surgeons• http://www.acvs.org AnimalOwners HealthConditions

SmallAnimalTopics