BOAS in Dogs and Cats:
What It Is, Why It Happens, and How We Treat It

Brachycephalic (“short-faced”) pets

 French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzu, Pekingese,

and in cats, Persians/Exotics

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These patients are predisposed to a package of airway narrowings that make breathing harder, especially with heat, excitement, exercise, or sedation.

BOAS isn’t just “snoring”; it’s a progressive, body-wide problem that affects airflow, oxygenation, body temperature, and even the stomach and oesophagus.

Surgery can widen the airway and improve quality of life for most patients, but—as with any airway surgery—there are real risks your vet team will work to minimise.