08 Apr Aerodigestive Disorders in Brachycephalics – A New Approach to Helping Australia’s Favourite Breeds
Did you know your brachycephalic dog’s breathing issues could be making their digestive problems worse? Learn how to help them breathe and feel better—starting today!
If you have a French bulldog, pug, cavalier, cavoodle, or another brachycephalic breed, you know how special they are. However, these breeds often face unique health challenges, especially when it comes to breathing and digestion. At Southern Cross Vet, we see more of these breeds than any other, and we’re constantly learning how to help them live healthier, happier lives.
What Is Aerodigestive Disease?
Breathing and digestive issues might seem unrelated, but research suggests they are deeply connected in brachycephalic dogs. The term aerodigestive disease describes how airway obstruction and digestive issues interact—when one system struggles, the other does too (Liu, Oechtering, & Sargan, 2017).
Hiatal Hernia – A Hidden Issue Linked to BOAS
If your dog frequently regurgitates, spits out food, or coughs while eating, they may have a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the stomach slips through the diaphragm into the chest. Many people assume this is a structural defect, but research suggests it can actually be caused by excessive negative pressure in the chest from breathing difficulties like BOAS (Packer & Tivers, 2015).
Every time a dog with BOAS struggles to breathe, it create a suction effect in the chest. Over time, this vacuum effect pulls the top of the stomach into the wrong position, leading to acid buildup, throat irritation, and worsening breathing issues.
Low-Grade Aspiration – The Overlooked Cause of Coughing and Snoring
Brachycephalic dogs often have slower stomach-emptying times, which leads to acid buildup. Many of these dogs also experience low-grade reflux, where stomach contents burp up into the oesophagus. Research has shown that this can cause:
- Coughing and throat irritation
- Acid reflux affecting the larynx, worsening snoring and noisy breathing
- White, foamy vomit (especially in the mornings or after eating)
- Difficulty swallowing
This ongoing reflux can make BOAS-related breathing problems even worse (Poncet et al., 2005).
How You Can Help Your Dog
The good news? There are ways to manage these issues and help your dog breathe and digest more comfortably:
- Medications to improve gut emptying and reduce stomach acid can provide relief.
- Feeding smaller, more frequent meals.
- Raising your dog’s food and water bowls to reduce reflux.
- Avoiding fatty and spicy foods, which can slow digestion.
- Using jelly cubes made from thickened water instead of regular water—this makes swallowing easier and prevents aspiration.
The Southern Cross Vet Difference – Minimally Invasive Surgery
At Southern Cross Vet, we take a minimally invasive approach to BOAS surgery. Unlike traditional methods, our advanced surgical techniques result in less pain, minimal bleeding and bruising, and a faster, smoother recovery.
Many clinics still use outdated methods or, worse, opt for the ultra-aggressive 5/5 approach—a one-size-fits-all surgery where procedures are performed whether a pet needs them or not. At Southern Cross Vet, we reject this blanket approach. Instead, we customise every BOAS surgery to fit the unique needs and health concerns of each individual pet, ensuring they get the gentlest yet most effective care possible.
By addressing both breathing and digestive issues together, we aim to treat the root cause—not just the symptoms—so your pet can live a healthier, more comfortable life.
Book a Free Breathing Assessment
If your dog shows signs of aerodigestive disease—snoring, regurgitation, noisy breathing, or heat intolerance—don’t wait to get them checked. Book a Free Breathing Assessment with Dr Sam, our founder and leading BOAS expert. This no-obligation chat will help you understand your pet’s needs and the best options available.
📞 Call 1300 DOC SAM (1300 362 726) or book online.
Let’s make sure your pet is getting the best care possible!
How Minimally Invasive BOAS surgery helped Bella breathe and digest food better
Bella, a 3-year-old French bulldog, came to Southern Cross Vet struggling with severe snoring, laboured breathing, and frequent regurgitation. Her owners had noticed that she often coughed after drinking water and would spit up foamy vomit, especially in the mornings.
A thorough assessment by Dr Sam revealed that Bella had BOAS and a hiatal hernia, caused by the excessive suction effect from her breathing difficulties. We performed our minimally invasive BOAS surgery, carefully customising the procedure to her needs. Unlike the aggressive 5/5 approach, we only corrected the specific anatomical issues affecting Bella, ensuring a gentler yet highly effective treatment.
Post-surgery, Bella’s breathing improved significantly, and her regurgitation episodes reduced dramatically. Her owners reported that she was happier, more energetic, and finally able to enjoy her meals without discomfort.
Bella’s case highlights the link between breathing and digestive issues in brachycephalic dogs—and how a tailored, minimally invasive BOAS approach can give them a better quality of life.
References:
- Liu, N. C., Oechtering, G. U., & Sargan, D. R. (2017). Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): A Growing Problem. PLOS ONE.
- Packer, R. M. A., & Tivers, M. S. (2015). Strategies for the Management and Prevention of Brachycephalic Syndrome. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 6, 273–283.
- Poncet, C. M., Dupre, G. P., Freiche, V. G., et al. (2005). Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Brachycephalic Dogs with Upper Respiratory Syndrome. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 46(5), 273-279.