Don't Ignore Breathing Difficulties in Shortnosed Dogs

Unfortunately, the only thing normal about noisy breathing for dogs with "pushed-in" faces is
that it is an expected response to a shortened upper jaw, which creates excess soft tissue in the
back of the throat.

Some dogs are affected to the point where they experience brachycephalic (the scientific term for
breeds with pushed in faces) obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS. If left untreated, problems
can get worse to the point where an animal can collapse due to a lack of oxygen.

Owners of affected dogs may be putting them at risk if they do not recognize the problem and
seek treatment, according to researchers Rowena Packer, Dr. Anke Hendricks and Dr. Charlotte
Burn of the United Kingdom's Royal Veterinary College.

In their 2012 study, the researchers discovered that owners of such dogs as pugs, English
bulldogs, Pekingese, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Shih tzus
and others were not aware of the signs of BOAS. In fact, 58% of surveyed owners said their dogs
did not have breathing problems even when more than two-thirds of the dogs showed difficulties
during exercise.

What to watch for
According to Packer, while it is not yet known which are the best predictors of BOAS, signs to
look for include:
• Increased and abnormal breathing noise that sounds like snoring, both when the dog is
awake and asleep
• A shortness of breath while exercising or playing
• Effortful, labored breathing with obvious abdominal movements
• Interrupting exercise, play or eating to catch their breath
• Inability to exercise for reasonable periods of time without becoming out of breath
• Difficulty cooling down after a walk; panting for long periods
• Physical collapse while exercising
• Difficulty sleeping and/or periods where the dog stops breathing during sleep
• Restlessness and difficulty getting comfortable at rest, stretched out head and neck
position, forelegs spread and body flat against the floor
• Gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as difficulty swallowing, and bringing up food,
stomach content or a lot of saliva.

"If you notice these signs, take your dog to your veterinarian for an assessment to learn whether
they are compatible with the disease or due to a different problem," says Hendricks.
"If left to develop," says Burn, "BOAS can lead to secondary problems due to the effort required
to breathe—putting pressure on the voice box, digestive system and heart. In addition, the more
severe the breathing problems, the greater the severity of GI signs. They may reflect
inflammation of the esophagus, stomach ulcers and, in some cases, hiatal hernias, when part of
the stomach can become displaced into the chest cavity during breathing."

Option for severe BOAS
If your veterinarian believes the dog may have BOAS that requires treatment, he or she may refer you to a veterinary surgical specialist. There, the dog's airway is likely to be examined
under general anesthesia to assess whether it shows the abnormalities associated with BOAS—an
elongated soft palate, collapsing voice box and narrowed nostrils.
If present, these abnormalities would be surgically corrected, says Packer. That could mean, for
example, that excess tissue in the nose and throat would be removed.
Surgery may improve clinical signs, she says, but the dog may never be "normal," because of the
head structure and is likely to remain susceptible to heat stress.
For severely affected dogs, where significant secondary problems have occurred—for example,
severe laryngeal collapse—then treatment choices may be limited. In some cases, either
permanent tracheostomy or euthanasia may be recommended.

"That is why it is vital," says Hendricks, "that owners recognize the clinical signs of BOAS and
perceive them to be a ‘problem' as early as possible, so that these secondary changes can be
avoided by early intervention."

Options for mildly affected dogs
For all dogs, including those that have had surgery or have been determined by a veterinarian to
only be mildly affected, owners can help with some lifestyle changes, says Burn. Owners should
do the following:
• Closely monitor the dog to keep it at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can
exacerbate the condition.
• Use body harnesses rather than collars on walks so the airway is not compressed by a
neck collar if the dog pulls at the leash.
• Avoid walking on hot or humid days. On particularly warm days, keep dogs calm and
indoors in a cool, aerated room with access to water.
• Avoid having dogs in particularly stressful or exciting situations.
Originally published by Healthy Pet.

MEET THE STAFF: Charlotte Thomas, Technician

Meet Charlotte Thomas, Technician at Fayette Veterinary Medical Center! Charlotte joined the practice in spring of 2012, as a Veterinary Technician. She is always bubbly and optimistic. Charlotte is married with 2 boys, 1 girl, 2 dogs, 1 guinea pig, 9 chickens, a rooster and 9 fish. Charlotte loves spending time at the ball field watching her children play, camping, and going to the beach. We are grateful to have Charlotte on our team!

Dog House Repairs Month

Does your dog have his or her own house? It's Dog House Repairs Month! Make sure that it’s in good shape this summer! Check the interior corners for beehives, and make sure to repair leaks and splinters in the wood.

Happy Work Anniversary to Amber Garrett!

We at Fayette Veterinary Medical Center just want to take a moment to celebrate Amber Garrett’s work anniversary. This year will mark a very special anniversary for Amber. This will be her last here at FVMC. Amber has been with us since June 8, 2001. She started working in the kennel as a kennel technician and has worked her way up to one of our senior surgical technicians. Amber will be leaving us in the fall to start nursing school. It has been her dream and goal to become a nurse and we have and will continue to prayerfully support her. So Happy 12 Year Anniversary Amber, we love you and hope for nothing but the best in your future!

What Would You Do If....

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

 ...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

 ...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

 ...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies
Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.
How to handle an injured pet
Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.
Basic pet first aid procedures
Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.
First aid when traveling with your pet
A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.
Pets and disasters
Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid
• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet
• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets
• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care

Adapted by an article posted by the AVMA.

It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

It's Allergy Season Again!

 

Any veterinarian who sees allergic dogs has listened to the frustrations of the owners in dealing with the itch, the odor, the hair loss, and the never-ending nature of this disease. Many owners, especially those who have no experience themselves with allergies, have unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved. It is critical to help them understand that allergies are forever......and they will probably always itch more than "normal" dogs.  This is a hard reality to accept, but to be successful in management of allergies, we must be glad when small changes occur over a long period of time.  It is critical to have great follow-up and lots of communication with your veterinarian in order to tailor a plan that fits the patient.  Multimodal treatment usually follows smart diagnostics.  "Guessing" is not the smart way, because treatment for one itchy problem may make another worse.  Let's talk about allergies and see that patient.  Even though it is allergy season, skin infections, parasites, or auto-immune diseases may still be the primary cause of your pet's itchy problem.  Call for an appointment today.