Improving Your Frenchie’s Quality Of Life
A recent study found that French Bulldogs are 31 times more likely to develop Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) – a condition that narrows the airway and causes breathing difficulties – than any other dog breed due to their short noses and skulls.
BOAS can cause a host of problems for Frenchies, including snoring, sleep apnea, noisy or labored breathing, exercise intolerance, and even heart failure. The good news is that there’s a surgical solution to help alleviate these symptoms and improve your Frenchie’s quality of life.
While it may seem daunting at first, French Bulldog nose surgery is a relatively common and safe procedure that can make a world of difference for your pup.
In this article, we’ll discuss French Bulldog nose surgery and the associated cost, causes of stenotic nares, and health problems associated with stenotic nares. We’ll also provide some tips on how to know if your Frenchie needs nose surgery, how to prevent your Frenchie from nose surgery, and how to care for your Frenchie post-surgery. Lastly, we’ll look at some surgical alternatives to help improve your Frenchie’s breathing.
What Is French Bulldog Nose Surgery?
French Bulldog nose surgery is a surgical procedure that involves widening the nostrils to improve airflow. It’s a common procedure that’s performed on brachycephalic dogs – dogs with short noses and skulls, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers – to help them breathe better.
The surgery is relatively simple and involves making an incision on the inside of each nostril and removing a small amount of tissue. This allows the nostrils to be widened, which makes it easier for your Frenchie to breathe. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes.
How Successful Is Surgery To Correct BOAS?
The short answer is that the surgery is usually successful in correcting BOAS. A recent study noted that after 25 French Bulldogs and 37 Pugs underwent stenotic nares surgery, there was a decrease in life-threatening events by 90%, the incidence of sleeping problems reduced from 55% to 3%, and the occurrence of breathing sounds reduced by approximately 50%
How Much Does The French Bulldog Nose Surgery Cost?
The cost of French Bulldog nose surgery can vary depending on the veterinarian, the severity of your Frenchie’s BOAS, and whether your Frenchie needs any other surgeries.
However, the average cost of French Bulldog nose surgery can range from $500 to $2,500.
Does Pet Insurance Cover The Surgery?
Most pet insurance companies will cover French Bulldog nose surgery if it’s considered medically necessary.
However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to see if they cover the procedure and what their reimbursement policy is.
What Causes My Frenchie To Have Stenotic Nares?
There are a few things that can cause your Frenchie to have stenotic nares, including genetics and conformation (the way your Frenchie is built).
- Genetics
The most common cause of stenotic nares is genetics. This means that it’s something that’s passed down from their parents. If both of your Frenchie parents had BOAS, there’s a good chance that your Frenchie will too.
- Conformation
Another common cause of stenotic nares is conformation. This refers to the way your Frenchie is built and includes things like the size of their nostrils, the shape of their skull, and the length of their muzzle.
How Does It Affect My Frenchie’s Health?
If your Frenchie has stenotic nares, it means that their nostrils are narrower than normal.
This can cause a host of problems for your pup, including difficulty breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, and exercise intolerance. In severe cases, stenotic nares can even lead to heart failure.
How To Know If Your Frenchie Needs Nose Surgery?
If you’re wondering how to know if your Frenchie needs nose surgery, there are a few things you can look for. First, take a close look at your Frenchie’s nostrils. If they seem narrower than usual or if they experience difficulty breathing, your Frenchie likely has stenotic nares.
Other signs that your Frenchie may need nose surgery include snoring, sleep apnea, noisy or labored breathing, vomiting or regurgitation, and exercise intolerance.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your Frenchie to the vet for an evaluation.
How To Prevent Your Frenchie From Needing Surgery
There are a few things you can do to prevent your Frenchie from needing nose surgery. First, it’s important to bring your Frenchie to the vet for regular check-ups. This will allow the vet to catch any problems early and treat them before they become severe.
Second, make sure you’re feeding your Frenchie a high-quality diet. A healthy diet will help keep your Frenchie’s weight down, which will put less strain on their respiratory system.
Finally, avoid exposing your Frenchie to smoke, dust, or other irritants that could irritate their airways. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent your Frenchie from developing stenotic nares and needing nose surgery.
How Do I Take Care Of My Frenchie After The Surgery?
The good news is that French Bulldog nose surgery is a relatively simple and safe procedure. However, it’s still important to take care of your Frenchie after the surgery. Some things you’ll need to do include:
- Keep your Frenchie calm and quiet for two weeks after the surgery. This means no running, jumping, or playing.
- Apply a thin layer of oil to the incisions twice a day to keep them from drying out.
- Check the incisions regularly for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Take your Frenchie to their follow-up appointments, so the vet can check on their progress.
Other Surgeries To Improve Your Frenchie’s Breathing
In addition to French Bulldog nose surgery, there are a few other surgeries that can help improve your Frenchie’s breathing. These include:
Soft Palate Resection
This surgery involves removing the soft palate, which is the flap of tissue that hangs down from the back of the throat, blocking the entrance to the windpipe. This causes difficulty breathing, reverse sneezing, and odd noises.
Laryngeal Sacculectomy
Laryngeal sacculectomy involves removing a small sac located in the larynx (voice box). This sac can sometimes become enlarged and block the airway, causing difficulty breathing.
Tracheal Collapse Surgery
This surgery is usually only performed as a last resort and involves placing metal rings around the trachea to prevent it from collapsing.
The Solution To Your Frenchie’s Breathing Problem
If your Frenchie is having trouble breathing, French Bulldog nose surgery may be the answer.
This relatively simple and common procedure can help improve your Frenchie’s quality of life by alleviating their symptoms and allowing them to breathe easier and better.
Get in touch with your veterinarian today to see if French Bulldog nose surgery is the right solution for your furry friend.
