Stenotic Nares and Soft Palate Surgery
Brachycephalic syndrome - Soft Palate surgery-Stenotic Nostrils
Brachycephalic breeds (Pug, Pekingese, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, etc) may be born with very narrow nares and elongated soft palate which may impair the patient’s breathing causing different degrees of snoring and sometimes dyspnea. At time of exam, the veterinarian will recommend surgical correction of this abnormality. This can be done individually, or at time of spay or castration.
How is it done?
All pre-surgical requirements apply to this procedure. Approximately 30 minutes after pre-medication, the patient is induced with general anesthesia, intubated and maintained on anesthetic gas. The surgeon applies laser technology to cut each side of the nares in order to widen the opening. The elongated soft palate is also trimmed back with the laser.
What to expect after surgery?
Recovery is very quick and uneventful. Patients should be fed soft/canned food for 5-7 days. Prophylactic antibiotic is generally dispensed to prevent secondary infection. No sutures are used and recheck is only scheduled if deemed necessary by the surgeon. An antibiotic ointment will also be dispensed to be applied around the nares. As with any anesthetic procedures, all patients should be kept confined immediately post-op. Patient should be able to return to its normal activity unless otherwise instructed by the veterinarian.