Give your pet the gift of easy breathing
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Surgery in Sydney
A safe, minimally invasive procedure that corrects the symptoms of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
BOAS
Pets, particularly dog breeds with characteristic flat faces and short heads/noses, are prone to Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BOAS).
BOAS is a respiratory condition that restricts airflow in the affected pet’s nasal passages. Corrective BOAS surgery is often the only way to allow animals with the condition to breathe normally.
The BOAS corrective surgery we perform at Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic is minimally invasive in nature. Unlike other providers, we use a special surgical handpiece known as the Caiman, which allows us to reduce the risk of any post-operative complications and keep pain during the recovery period to a minimum.
Our minimally invasive approach to treating BOAS also means that your pet spends far less time under the knife; many of our patients return home the on the same day as their procedure. We also guarantee that a veterinary anaesthetist will be present for your pet’s surgery, ensuring that they remain as comfortable as possible and have a speedy recovery once they’ve left our care.
Everything you need to know about BOAS surgery:
WE GO BEYOND THE ‘5/5’ APPROACH
Many veterinary clinics follow a so-called standardised ‘5/5’ approach to corrective surgery for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome in animals. Like the name implies, the 5/5 protocol consists of 5 different surgical procedures, which are usually effective at resolving the symptoms of BOAS in cats and dogs.
However, following a generic approach to any surgery has major drawbacks. The one-size-fits-all 5/5 protocol often results in procedures being performed on animals that don’t even need them; in more complex cases, the physical abnormality causing the patient’s breathing issues goes completely unnoticed and untreated.
At Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic, we know that no two animals are the same. In cases where BOAS is suspected, we carefully examine your pet to determine the cause of their respiratory issues. This lets us develop a bespoke treatment plan so your dog or cat can finally breathe freely – without any unnecessary surgeries.
WHY CHOOSE SOUTHERN CROSS VETERINARY CLINIC FOR YOUR PET?
Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic’s founder, Dr Sam Kovac, has pioneered a minimally invasive approach to surgery for Bracycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. (BOAS). Under his leadership, we have successfully performed hundreds of BOAS surgeries in Sydney, helping our patients breathe more comfortably and improving their quality of life.
At our clinic, your pet and their wellbeing are always our top priority. Rather than following the 5/5 protocol, we take an individual approach to treating BOAS safely and effectively in our patients. We also guarantee that a dedicated veterinary anaesthetist is onsite during your pet’s surgery to keep them as comfortable as possible, as well as assisting them in making a speedy post-operative recovery.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG NEEDS BOAS SURGERY?
Some indicators that your pet may be a candidate for BOAS surgery include the following:
- Overheating easily in warm weather or struggling to cool off after exercise
- Frequent retching, regurgitation, and vomiting while eating
- Snorting
- Panting while at rest or with very little exercise
- Reverse sneezing
- Snoring
- Exercise intolerance
BEST AGE FOR BOAS SURGERY AND WHAT IF I DON’T GET IT DONE?
Pets between the ages of 6 to 18 months are ideal candidates for BOAS corrective surgery. While the condition can be successfully treated in older animals, they face a greater risk of post-operative complications; more complex surgical treatment is often also needed.
When BOAS in animals is left unresolved, in severe cases, a breathing tube may need to be placed to allow for normal respiration. However, corrective surgery, where indicated, has the potential to both extend your pet’s lifespan and improve their quality of life.
LOGISTICS ON THE DAY OF SURGERY
1: Your pet will either arrive via our Concierge service or you will arrive with them in the morning.
2: Your nurse will go through the admissions consult with you and answer any questions you might have.
3: Pre-op blood tests are carried out.
4: Your pet receives a premedication to help relax them before surgery and an IV cannula is placed.
5: The anaesthetic is administered, and BOAS corrective surgery carried out.
6: Your pet is transferred to recovery, where they remain under nurse and anaesthetist supervision until they can walk on their own.
7: A discharge time is set for you and your pet to be reunited.
AFTERCARE FOR BOAS CORRECTIVE SURGERY
Here is how you can help your pet have a speedy and smooth recovery after surgery.
1: Vaseline: Apply Vaseline at least 3 times daily on the incision lines.
2: Exercise: For the first 10 days after surgery, keep leash walks brief and avoid exercising your dog during the warmest part of the day.
3: Medication: After surgery, your pet will receive a variety of medications that reduce inflammation and swelling, prevent infection and digestive issues, and help keep them calm and relaxed during the recovery period.
4: Advice and Checking: We require two follow-up appointments after surgery: one around 3 days after and another at 10 days.
5: Diet: For the first 10 days after surgery, refrain from feeding your pet raw meat or hard, dry foods.
At the time of publishing, our surgery fees are $4900 – however, actual costs can vary depending on the exact treatment needed. Please contact the clinic closer to the surgery date for a personalised quote.