10 Apr Understanding Brachycephalic Dog Breeds and the Importance of BOAS Surgery
Brachycephalic dog breeds have stolen the hearts of many with their adorably flat faces, soulful eyes and affectionate personalities. However, beneath their cute appearance lies a serious medical condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). At Southern Cross Vet, we are passionate about providing advanced, compassionate care for brachycephalic dogs, including minimally invasive BOAS surgery that can drastically improve quality of life.
All BOAS surgeries at Southern Cross Vet are performed exclusively by our founder, Dr Sam Kovac, who is highly experienced in treating brachycephalic airway issues. Whether or not you opt to get your pet’s corrective BOAS surgery done at Southern Cross Vet, Dr Sam is always available to provide your fur baby a FREE Breathing Assessment and discuss your pet’s individual anatomical and surgical needs.
In this blog, we’ll explore what it means for a dog to be brachycephalic, which breeds are affected, and how BOAS surgery at Southern Cross Vet can help your pet breathe easier and live better.
What Does It Mean If an Animal Is Brachycephalic?
The term “brachycephalic” refers to animals—particularly dogs—with short, flat skulls. These breeds typically have a compressed upper jaw and nasal passages, which can lead to significant breathing issues. The condition isn’t just cosmetic; it affects how air moves through the nose, throat and windpipe.
Many brachycephalic dog breeds are at risk of developing BOAS, a progressive condition that can lead to noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance, heat stress and even collapse.
Which Dog Breeds Are Brachycephalic?
Not all short-nosed dogs are the same, and not all will develop severe problems, but many popular dog breeds fall into the brachycephalic category:
Yes, they are brachycephalic:
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Brussels Griffons
- Bulldogs (English and American)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Chow Chows
- French Bulldogs
- Mastiffs (including Bullmastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs)
- Pekingese
- Pugs
- Shar Peis
- Shih Tzus
Not typically considered brachycephalic:
- Bull Terriers (not to be confused with Bulldogs)
- Cane Corso
- Chihuahuas
- Maltese
- Pomeranians
- Rottweilers
- Staffies (Staffordshire Bull Terriers)
While some of these breeds might have short muzzles, they are not classified as brachycephalic and generally do not experience BOAS in the same way.
Are Brachycephalic Dogs Healthy?
Brachycephalic dogs are prone to several health issues, most notably, breathing problems due to their narrow airways and elongated soft palates. BOAS can affect their ability to exercise, sleep and regulate their body temperature. In severe cases, it can become life-threatening.
That said, with proper care and monitoring, brachycephalic breed dogs can live full and happy lives. Recognising the signs of airway distress early and seeking veterinary intervention is key.
Do Brachycephalic Dogs Have a Shorter Lifespan?
BOAS and related complications can impact quality of life and, in severe untreated cases, reduce lifespan. However, early diagnosis and surgical correction—especially when performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr Sam Kovac—significantly improve both longevity and comfort.
What Is BOAS and How Does Surgery Help?
BOAS stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. It’s a condition caused by a combination of anatomical issues common in brachycephalic breeds, including:
- Stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils)
- Elongated soft palate
- Everted laryngeal saccules
Together, these deformities obstruct airflow, making it difficult for affected dogs to breathe—especially during exercise or in warm weather.
BOAS surgery aims to correct these obstructions by:
- Widening the nostrils
- Trimming the elongated soft palate
- Removing everted laryngeal saccules
At Southern Cross Vet, this delicate procedure is always performed by Dr Sam Kovac, whose expertise ensures a tailored and precise surgical outcome.
Why Choose Southern Cross Vet for BOAS Surgery?
At Southern Cross Vet, we pride ourselves on offering a minimally invasive approach to BOAS surgery. This advanced technique reduces trauma, leads to less bleeding and bruising, and promotes a quicker recovery.
Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic employs a minimally invasive surgical technique for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) corrective surgery. This approach prioritises the pet’s safety and comfort by aiming to minimise bleeding and bruising during the procedure.
Following the surgery, diligent post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery. This includes applying Vaseline to the incision lines to help prevent irritation. Careful management of exercise is also essential to protect the delicate nasal passages, and extreme temperatures should be avoided.
A personalised medication plan, which may include anti-inflammatories, antiemetics, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors, will be prescribed to prevent infection and support recovery. Dietary adjustments are also necessary, with raw meat being avoided for the initial ten days and hard, dry foods being excluded to prevent discomfort in the throat. Finally, two follow-up appointments are typically scheduled around three days and ten days after the surgery to monitor the pet’s progress.
All BOAS procedures are exclusively performed by our founder, Dr Sam Kovac, who brings years of experience and surgical precision to every case. Unlike some clinics, we also always have a dedicated veterinary anaesthetist present for every BOAS surgery. Their sole responsibility is to monitor your dog’s vital signs under anaesthesia—ensuring maximum safety throughout the procedure.
What Does BOAS Surgery Cost at Southern Cross Vet?
At Southern Cross Vet, we believe that no two dogs are the same—and neither are their airways. That’s why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all or “fixed price” for BOAS surgery. Every pet we see undergoes a thorough assessment to determine exactly where their breathing is being obstructed. Based on these findings, Dr Sam Kovac tailors the surgery to correct only the necessary structures—ensuring the procedure is as effective, precise and minimally invasive as possible.
This customised approach means that BOAS surgery costs can vary depending on the complexity of the case. At Southern Cross Vet, prices typically range from $4,000 to $9,000, reflecting the personalised nature of our care and the advanced techniques we use. To reiterate, it is not possible to offer a ‘fixed price’ surgery because the cost really depends on your dog’s individual needs.
Another important factor included in the cost is the presence of a dedicated veterinary anaesthetist at every BOAS procedure. This specialist’s sole role is to monitor your pet’s vital signs during surgery—ensuring they remain stable and safe under anaesthesia. This extra level of attention significantly enhances safety, particularly for brachycephalic dogs who are at higher risk under general anaesthetic.
We understand that making decisions about surgery and finances can be overwhelming. While we cannot provide a fixed price, our team is always happy to provide an itemised estimate after your dog’s breathing assessment and answer any questions you might have about the process. Remember, we offer a Free Breathing Assessment for brachycephalic breeds at Southern Cross Vet.
Some of Our Success Stories
Shetaki
Shetaki, an adorable 8-month-old British Bulldog, came to us at Southern Cross Vet because he couldn’t walk more than 200 metres without needing a break—something no puppy should struggle with. After examining him, Dr Sam Kovac discovered severely narrowed nostrils and an elongated soft palate, both classic signs of BOAS. We performed our minimally invasive BOAS surgery, and just two days later, Shetaki was breathing better, eating happily, and even going for little runs! While his family was away on holiday, he stayed with us at the clinic, charming the whole team and enjoying his new lease on life.
Max
One of our recent patients, a 3-year-old French Bulldog named Max (name anonymised), came to us struggling with heat stress and daily snorting. After BOAS surgery at SCV, Max’s family noticed an immediate difference — quieter sleep, more energy, and fewer breathing episodes. His recovery went smoothly with the help of a personalised care plan and close post-operative monitoring. Max is now enjoying his walks again and playing more actively with his family.
Signs Your Dog Might Need a BOAS Assessment
If your dog is showing any of the following signs, it may be time for a breathing assessment:
- Snorting, snoring or noisy breathing
- Difficulty exercising or reluctance to walk
- Gagging, retching or vomiting foam
- Heat intolerance or collapsing in warm weather
- Open mouth breathing or panting at rest
Book a Free Breathing Assessment
At Southern Cross Vet, we’re here to help your brachycephalic dog live its best life. If you’re concerned about your dog’s breathing, book a Free Breathing Assessment with our experienced veterinary team.
All BOAS surgeries are carried out by Dr Sam Kovac, ensuring a continuity of care from consultation through to surgery and recovery.
📞 Call us at 1300 DOC SAM (1300 362 726) or book online: https://scvc.as.me/breathingcheckboas
Let us help your beloved pet breathe easier — and live happier. 🧡