Certain dog breeds are more prone to health issues. A common problem in certain dogs is narrow nostrils and airways. At Arrow Animal Hospital in Los Lunas, NM, we can help. Our veterinary team can diagnose and treat these health issues in your pet.
Stenotic Nares
If you have a dog who is brachycephalic, this means that the dog has shortened skull bones. This gives the face, particularly the nose, an appearance of being somewhat "pushed in." Since the face and nose have shorter bones, the relationship with other soft tissue structures are affected. This condition can cause stenotic nares, which are nostrils that are abnormally small or narrow. Some of these changes can lead to physical problems for the dog. The breeds that tend to have this condition include French and English bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Chinese pugs, Pekingese dogs, Lhasa Apsos, Bullmastiffs, and Shih Tzus.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a set of upper airway abnormalities that often affect these dogs. These can include extended nasopharyngeal turbinate, laryngeal collapse, an elongated soft palate, a hypoplastic trachea, stenotic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules. A dog who has this condition could have a combination of these abnormalities.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Vet in Los Lunas, NM
If your dog has stenotic nares or other health conditions, we can help. At Arrow Animal Hospital in Los Lunas, NM, our vets can diagnose your dog and provide the proper treatment. This may include soft palate surgery. We can answer any questions you have about these conditions or the surgery. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.