BOAS: Helping Flat-Faced Pets Breathe Easier

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) affects flat-faced dogs and cats, like Pugs, French Bulldogs and Persians. These breeds' unique features, such as narrow nostrils, a thickened soft palate, and a narrower windpipe, are what cause the breathing problems associated with BOAS. It tends to worsen with age, so catching it early can make a big difference to your pet's comfort, safety and quality of life.

What To Expect

At Virtue Vets, we assess, diagnose and treat BOAS with a tailored approach for your pet. Though complications cannot be entirely avoided, our advanced anaesthetic equipment and highly experienced vets and nurses aim to minimise risks as much as possible.

Services We Offer:

1. Assessment & Grading: a clinical exam and exercise test to determine disease severity

2. Surgical Planning: if needed, we recommend the most appropriate procedure and talk you through the next best steps

3. Safe Anaesthesia & Surgery: advanced anaesthetic equipment and our experienced team help to minimise risk

4. Recovery & Support: pets usually go home the same day, with full recovery in 48-72 hours

BOAS Treatment Options

Depending on your pet's needs, treatment may include nostril widening, soft palate surgery, tonsil removal, or laser reduction of blocked nasal tissue. In cases of laryngeal collapse, this can only be diagnosed under anaesthesia and is referred to a specialist. We'll also check related factors like weight and airway anatomy and talk you through anything relevant to your pet specifically.

Visit our Services & Prices or book an appointment today: Call/WhatsApp +44 (0)20 3011 1032 Email hello@virtuevets.com

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the signs of BOAS?

  Noisy or laboured breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance, and overheating quickly. If you're noticing any of these, book an assessment with our team.

• How long is recovery after surgery?

  Most pets go home the same day, with full recovery expected within 48-72 hours.

• Can my flat-faced dog go out in the heat?

  Flat-faced breeds struggle to cool down and are at higher risk of heatstroke, especially with BOAS. Avoid exercise in hot weather and keep walks to the cooler parts of the day.

• How much does BOAS surgery cost?

  We offer airway surgery from £2,500; however, costs vary depending on the treatment your pet needs. We'll confirm exact pricing after their assessment, once we know the right plan for them.