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If your dog breathes noisily or has difficulty breathing, they could have a serious respiratory issue that needs medical attention.
Some dog breeds are prone to a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and need stenotic nares surgery to correct it.1 Stenotic nares surgery can cost anywhere between $300 and $1,000 — or potentially much more.1
Learn about BOAS, stenotic nares surgery, and how dog insurance could also help you cover related costs.
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BOAS is a condition that results in abnormalities of the upper airways in dogs, including stenotic nares. Stenotic nares refer to nostrils that are small or narrow, resulting in restricted airflow.1,2
Many brachycephalic dogs may also experience elongated soft palates, which means the dog’s soft palate is too big and obstructs the windpipe.1 As a result of stenotic nares or an elongated soft palate, laryngeal saccules (sacs located inside the larynx) can become everted, or turned outward, making airflow even more difficult.3
Symptoms of BOAS can include:3
Symptoms may also worsen in hot or humid weather because brachycephalic dogs struggle to regulate their temperatures and can overheat.3 If your dog exhibits any symptoms of brachycephaly, see your veterinarian for a consultation to determine if they could benefit from stenotic nares surgery.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome affects dogs with shortened heads. In fact, brachycephaly translates from Greek to “short head.”3 Breeds that can be susceptible to BOAS include:3
If you own one of these dog breeds, pay special attention for signs of BOAS.
Stenotic nares surgery involves removing a small portion of a dog’s nostrils to make the airways larger.1 Increasing the size of the nostril makes breathing easier and may reduce snoring and other symptoms.2
A surgeon can use a scalpel or a laser to remove a wedge from the outer fold of each nostril.1,2 Using a laser may result in less bleeding because it cauterizes as it works.2 The use of a laser may also mean stitches aren’t required and can speed up recovery time.2 However, expensive equipment like lasers can also increase the cost of the procedure.1
It’s recommended that your dog undergo stenotic nares surgery as early as possible in their life.2 Some brachycephalic dogs also need surgery to fix other related conditions that restrict their breathing, including a hypoplastic trachea, elongated soft palate, and everted laryngeal saccules.1,3
The cost can vary based on your location, your dog’s weight, and your dog’s overall health. While $300 – $1,000 is a baseline for the surgery, you can’t forget additional costs, such as diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, and blood work.1 Postop care and appointments will factor into the cost as well.
Some veterinarians prefer to perform stenotic nares surgery at the same time a dog is already under anesthesia for another procedure, like a spay or neuter, which could result in cost savings.2
It’s also important to know that some dogs with BOAS will need more procedures than just stenotic nares surgery. If a dog needs their elongated soft palate trimmed or everted laryngeal saccules removed, many surgeons will want to perform those actions all in one surgery. This will add to the overall cost of the surgery; if the vet performs all three surgeries, pet parents can expect to spend between $3,000 and $5,000.3
We get it — you just want your dog to breathe easier. Let us answer some more questions to help you breathe easier, too.
Stenotic nares can be life-threatening. This is because dogs’ breathing troubles can affect their overall health, potentially leading to obesity, overheating, a lower quality of life, and a shorter lifespan.1,2 Stenotic nares surgery can help your dog live comfortably and help mitigate long-term health issues associated with BOAS.
Immediately after surgery, the vet will want to monitor your dog for at least 24 hours. They will want to make sure that inflammation or blood isn’t obstructing your dog’s airway. Gagging, coughing, and some swelling are normal post-op.4
At home, follow your vet’s instructions for temporarily restricted activity and potential diet adjustments. Your vet may recommend an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) until your dog’s sutures are removed. The vet will likely also prescribe pain medications and antibiotics.1
As with any surgery, success rates for stenotic nares surgery depend on a number of factors. For young dogs, the prognosis is generally good. For older pups, prognosis may not be as positive, especially if they have started to develop laryngeal collapse.3
If your furry friend’s brachycephaly isn’t determined to be a pre-existing condition, dog insurance may help cover the costs of stenotic nares surgery.
For example, a French bulldog from California named Honey had brachycephalic syndrome and underwent surgery to improve her breathing. The total vet bill was over $4,800, but MetLife Pet covered almost $4,400.5
Get a free quote today for pet insurance so you can focus on your dog’s health.
