BOAS Surgery at St Kitts Vets
Here at St Kitts Vets, we’re working closely with the team at ProVetSurg to provide clients with a cost-effective assessment and treatment pathway for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, otherwise known as ‘BOAS’.
What is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)?
BOAS is the name given to a group of conditions that affect the airways of some breeds of dogs and cats. It predominantly affects flat-faced breeds – those with shorter noses – due to the obstruction of free flowing air through the nose and throat. Dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs can all be affected by BOAS, along with cats like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs.
BOAS can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Narrow nostrils
- Crowded nasal turbinates (the network of bones and tissue within the nasal cavity)
- Elongated soft palate
- Narrow windpipe
What are the signs of BOAS?
The signs of BOAS vary and can range in severity, including:
- Snorting and snoring (when at rest and during exercise)
- Poor exercise tolerance
- Poor heat tolerance
- Sleep apnoea
- Retching, regurgitation and vomiting
How we assess pets for BOAS
To begin the process, a detailed pre-operative consultation will take place to discuss your pet and assess the severity of BOAS. An exercise tolerance test is usually performed as part of this assessment. Further investigations following admission will include X-rays of the head and neck and examination of the larynx and upper airway under anaesthesia. In some cases, a CT scan may also be recommended.
How we treat dogs with BOAS
If surgery is considered appropriate for your pet, a detailed plan will be put in place to minimise the risk of complications and promote a speedy recovery. This includes thorough anaesthesia and recovery plans, along with contingency plans for patients needing additional care.
The recovery from anaesthesia and the hours immediately following BOAS surgery are very important so we ensure all patients are provided with quiet and calm surroundings to limit stress for recovery. They will be monitored continuously by our experienced team before being discharged to recuperate at home once stable.
BOAS cases will be treated at our Crookham Park practice, with surgery performed by Soft Tissue Surgeon, Ana Murta MSc, PgC(SAS), MRCVS, from ProVetSurg. Ana is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery.
We are delighted to be offering BOAS surgery to both registered clients and non-registered clients. For registered clients, please get in touch with your local St Kitts branch to book an appointment.
All referrals can be referred directly to our Crookham Park practice. Call our team on 01252 913990 or email info@crookhamparkvet.co.uk to discuss a case.
