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Monday - Friday 9AM - 6PMSaturday and Sunday - CLOSED905 237 7387vet@weldrickanimalhospital.com9580 Yonge Street, Unit 109Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1V6
Breathing Improvement Surgery for Short-Nosed Breeds
Elongated Soft Palate Surgery
Help flat‑faced dogs move air more easily, and help them breathe, sleep, exercise, and cope with heat more comfortably while improving overall quality of life.
Get the right vet care
Soft Palate Surgery for Improved Breathing (BOAS)
Corrective airway surgery to help brachycephalic dogs breathe more easily, sleep better, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Elongated soft palate surgery is a common and effective treatment for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). In short-nosed breeds, excess soft palate tissue can partially block the airway, causing breathing difficulty, snoring, gagging, and heat intolerance. Surgical correction improves airflow and comfort—often dramatically.
Elongated soft palate surgery is a common and effective treatment for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). In short-nosed breeds, excess soft palate tissue can partially block the airway, causing breathing difficulty, snoring, gagging, and heat intolerance. Surgical correction improves airflow and comfort—often dramatically.
What Is BOAS Soft Palate Surgery?
BOAS is a condition seen in brachycephalic breeds where airway structures restrict normal breathing. One of the most significant contributors is an elongated soft palate, which extends too far into the throat and obstructs airflow.
Soft palate surgery shortens this excess tissue, reducing obstruction and allowing air to pass more freely through the airway.
Soft palate surgery shortens this excess tissue, reducing obstruction and allowing air to pass more freely through the airway.
Benefits of Soft Palate Surgery
Easier, quieter breathing
Reduced snoring, gagging, and coughing
Improved exercise tolerance
Better sleep quality
Reduced heat stress and overheating risk
Improved overall comfort and quality of life
Early surgical correction often leads to better long-term outcomes and slows progression of airway disease.
Reduced snoring, gagging, and coughing
Improved exercise tolerance
Better sleep quality
Reduced heat stress and overheating risk
Improved overall comfort and quality of life
Early surgical correction often leads to better long-term outcomes and slows progression of airway disease.
Which Pets Benefit Most?
Soft palate surgery is commonly recommended for:
French Bulldogs
English Bulldogs
Pugs
Boston Terriers
Shih Tzus
Other brachycephalic breeds
Dogs showing noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, frequent gagging, or difficulty recovering after activity may benefit from evaluation.
French Bulldogs
English Bulldogs
Pugs
Boston Terriers
Shih Tzus
Other brachycephalic breeds
Dogs showing noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, frequent gagging, or difficulty recovering after activity may benefit from evaluation.
Our Surgical Approach
Brachycephalic patients require specialized care. At our hospital, BOAS procedures are performed with a focus on:
Careful airway assessment
Advanced anesthesia monitoring
Techniques designed to minimize bleeding and swelling
Individualized surgical planning
In some cases, soft palate surgery may be combined with other BOAS procedures for optimal results.
Careful airway assessment
Advanced anesthesia monitoring
Techniques designed to minimize bleeding and swelling
Individualized surgical planning
In some cases, soft palate surgery may be combined with other BOAS procedures for optimal results.
Recovery & Post-Operative Care
Most patients recover well with appropriate monitoring and home care.
What to expect after surgery:
Mild throat swelling and discomfort for a few days
Temporary soft food diet
Restricted activity during healing
Gradual improvement in breathing over 1–2 weeks
Our team provides detailed discharge instructions and is always available if concerns arise.
What to expect after surgery:
Mild throat swelling and discomfort for a few days
Temporary soft food diet
Restricted activity during healing
Gradual improvement in breathing over 1–2 weeks
Our team provides detailed discharge instructions and is always available if concerns arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soft palate surgery really provides improvements in breathing?
Yes. Expected Improvements:
Quieter breathing and less snoring often within 24-48 hours post-op, with peak relief by 2 weeks as swelling resolves.
Enhanced exercise tolerance, heat tolerance, and overall quality of life, confirmed in studies with high owner satisfaction.
Reduced gagging or regurgitation; full benefits in 2-6 weeks with strict rest and monitoring.
Will my dog breathe normally after surgery?
Most dogs show noticeable improvement. While anatomy cannot be completely changed, surgery significantly reduces airway obstruction.
What age is best for surgery?
Earlier intervention—often in young adult dogs—generally leads to better outcomes and prevents progression of airway damage.
Is this a cosmetic procedure?
No. Soft palate surgery is a medical, quality-of-life procedure that improves breathing and comfort.
Yes. Expected Improvements:
Quieter breathing and less snoring often within 24-48 hours post-op, with peak relief by 2 weeks as swelling resolves.
Enhanced exercise tolerance, heat tolerance, and overall quality of life, confirmed in studies with high owner satisfaction.
Reduced gagging or regurgitation; full benefits in 2-6 weeks with strict rest and monitoring.
Will my dog breathe normally after surgery?
Most dogs show noticeable improvement. While anatomy cannot be completely changed, surgery significantly reduces airway obstruction.
What age is best for surgery?
Earlier intervention—often in young adult dogs—generally leads to better outcomes and prevents progression of airway damage.
Is this a cosmetic procedure?
No. Soft palate surgery is a medical, quality-of-life procedure that improves breathing and comfort.