Brachycephalic Syndrome in Dogs: Health Issues That Flat-Faced Dog Breeds Face
Key takeaways:
Brachycephalic syndrome refers to a group of upper airway issues that affect flat-faced dog breeds.
Flat-faced dogs often have genetic problems, including abnormally short noses and skulls, as well as narrow nostrils, which can make breathing difficult.
Owners of these dogs should monitor their pets for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) symptoms and be aware that they will require more care than other breeds.
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Flat-faced dog breeds — such as pugs, bulldogs, and King Charles cavalier spaniels, known as brachycephalic dog breeds — have become favorites among dog owners. Unfortunately, their cuteness has caused breeding for specific physical traits.
Flatter faces and bigger eyes equal a cuter dog among many breed enthusiasts. But they also increase the likelihood of puppies being born with inherited physical problems.
This article will discuss the common health issues affecting brachycephalic dogs and the signs of these health issues, as well as offer advice on how to help prevent these problems.
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What is brachycephalic syndrome in dogs?
Brachycephalic syndrome, also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) or brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), is commonly seen in flat-faced dog breeds.
Brachycephalic syndrome refers to the following collection of upper airway irregularities:
Elongated soft palate is a condition where the roof of the mouth is too long and extends into the back of a dog’s throat. The palate partially blocks the airway and interferes with the dog’s breathing.
Stenotic nares refer to misshapen nostrils. Because the nostrils are tiny and narrow, they may collapse inward when a dog inhales. The narrow passageways of the nostrils restrict airflow, making it difficult for a dog to breathe through their nose.
Everted laryngeal saccules are soft tissue pockets just in front of the vocal cords that turn outward due to increased breathing effort. This further blocks a dog’s airway.
Hypoplastic trachea is a windpipe that is too narrow to pass air easily.
Laryngeal collapse occurs when pressure on the voice box prevents it from opening as wide as it should because of the increased pressure in the airway. This further restricts a dog’s airflow.
Additional complications of brachycephalic syndrome
Other health issues in dogs with brachycephalic syndrome can include:
Narrow trachea (windpipe)
Collapse of the larynx (the cartilages that open and close the upper airway)
Laryngeal paralysis, which is when the nerves inside the larynx muscles weaken and no longer support the voice box
Tracheal collapse, which is when the C-shaped cartilage that keeps the airway open becomes weak over time, flattens out, and extends the trachea into the airway to the lungs
What causes brachycephalic syndrome?
Brachycephalic syndrome is caused by a dog’s nose and skull being shorter than they should be. Brachycephalic is the scientific term referring to several breeds with the following characteristics:
Compressed skull bones
A flat or pushed-in facial appearance
Large eyes
Short snout (nose)
Wide, round heads
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Because of these brachycephalic traits, the soft tissue from the nose, trachea (windpipe), and lungs are all forced to fit in a smaller space. This causes respiratory and other health problems.
What are the signs of brachycephalic syndrome?
Common signs of brachycephalic airway syndrome in a dog are:
Breathing with difficulty
Breathing noisily, which may include snoring, wheezing, or snorting
Having exercise intolerance, which is a reduced ability or inability to exercise
Gagging or retching when swallowing
Overheating
Experiencing difficulty in hot weather
Breathing with an open mouth
Having bluish-colored gums (instead of pink)
Collapsing suddenly
Most dogs with these upper respiratory challenges breathe more easily through their mouths because their respiratory tract structure requires additional effort to inhale.
What other health challenges do brachycephalic dogs face?
Brachycephalic dogs are at greater risk than other dogs for various secondary health issues. Additional complications include:
Inflammation of the airways
Added strain on the heart
Eye problems, such as increased chance of corneal ulcers and low tear production
Dental problems, such as overcrowded teeth, underbites, bacteria buildup, and pain
Gastrointestinal/digestive issues
Skin diseases, including skin fold dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (skin allergies), and allergies
Joint and mobility issues
Because of the genetic malformation of their palate, airways, and skull, brachycephalic dogs cannot regulate their body temperature, making exercise difficult. Therefore, many are overweight. Extra weight worsens airway symptoms, putting the dogs’ health at greater risk.
How do vets treat brachycephalic syndrome?
To treat brachycephalic syndrome, a vet will thoroughly evaluate your dog to determine the airway abnormalities causing problems, since each dog is affected differently. While some symptoms can be observed through an exam, a complete workup may require sedation, X-rays of the neck and chest, and CT scans.
Dogs with mild symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome may be treated by helping them maintain a healthy weight, avoid heat and stress, and control their exercise routine.
Vets can medically manage symptoms of respiratory inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid medications. However, these only provide short-term relief and do not address the underlying problems.
Surgery to open the airflow is generally recommended when breathing is affected. A consultation with a veterinary surgeon is recommended to discuss the best option for your dog.
The type of surgery your dog may need will depend upon what obstructs their flow of air. These options can include:
Stenotic nares can be treated by removing a small wedge of tissue from their nostrils to make the openings larger.
Everted laryngeal saccules can be removed so their larynx is not blocked.
An elongated soft palate can be shortened.
The earlier that surgery is performed to correct the structural problem, the better the typical outcome. Generally, dogs under 2 years old have better surgical outcomes.
How can owners manage brachycephalic syndrome at home?
If you own a brachycephalic dog, you can help keep them healthy by:
Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Taking your dog for short, gentle walks.
Using a harness instead of a collar that pulls at their neck.
Talking to your veterinarian about your pup’s dental care.
Monitoring your dog’s breathing rate and body temperature, especially during exercise.
Keeping them in an air-conditioned environment and avoiding heat and humidity.
Keeping their stress level down.
Common brachycephalic dog breeds
Today, the most commonly known brachycephalic dog breeds are:
English bulldog
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Chinese Shar-Pei
Lhasa apso
Bull mastiff
Affenpinscher
Pekingese
French bulldog
Pug
Boston terrier
Boxer
Shih Tzu
Japanese Chin
The bottom line
Brachycephalic syndrome refers to a group of issues that cause breathing trouble in dogs with a flat face. The most common symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome relate to noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance. If you are considering adding a brachycephalic dog to your family, know that your pup will require more monitoring than the average dog and likely more money in vet bills. You must keep your furry friend out of the heat in the summer. What might sound like a funny snort is probably a good reason to visit your veterinarian to check your pup’s breathing.
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References
American College of Veterinary Surgeons. (n.d.). Brachycephalic syndrome.
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Brooks, W. (2024). Laryngeal paralysis in dogs. Veterinary Partner.
Collins, B. (n.d.). Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.
Estevam, M. V., et al. (2022). Congenital malformations in brachycephalic dogs: A retrospective study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Hale, F. (2013). Stop brachycephalism, now! The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
Hara, Y., et al. (2020). Pharyngeal contraction secondary to its collapse in dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science.
Hobi, S., et al. (2023). Dermatological problems of brachycephalic dogs. Animals.
The Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Flat face dog breeds and health issues.
Mercurio, A. (2011). Complications of upper airway surgery in companion animals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
Mitze, S., et al. (2022). Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: Much more than a surgical problem. Veterinary Quarterly.
Rozanski, E. A. (2022). Tracheal collapse. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Young, A. (2023). Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine.
