“Owner-assisted recovery” from BOAS surgery

A soothing voice and gentle pat, from someone they love, as they slowly wake from their sedated state, can reap rewards in terms of reducing stress for the patient after Brachycephalic airway surgery. This in turn reduces how distressed their breathing may become, which in turn reduces the risk of airway swelling requiring further intervention.

Many owners tell us they would much rather be with their furbaby, if possible. Not only can it reduce stress for the Brachycephalic dog, it can reduce stress for the pet parent. We know having your loved one in for surgery for the day can be an emotional and stressful day for pet owners. It seems to be a win-win idea – reduced stress and anxiety for the dog and their owner - we call it “owner-assisted recovery”.

This seems to truly be a case where the special bond and love shared between pet and owner, can actually be used as a medical treatment! For a successful BOAS surgery recovery, to quote The Beatles, “All you need is love!”

A recent study from 2023, compared 63 dogs who has Brachycephalic airway surgery. One group of the dogs were recovered from anaesthesia with their owners present, and were discharged from the vet hospital later that same day. The other group of dogs in the study were hospitalised overnight, without their owner present. This particular study found that the group of dogs who were recovered with their owners present, had a lower rate of post-operative breathing complications.

At Wingham & Valley Vets, we encourage owners to be available all day, so they can come in to the Hospital and be present with their canine companion once we phone and say surgery is completed.

Alongside many other techniques we employ on the day of surgery, it is just one more way to make it a more pleasant and safe experience for your precious dog.

BOAS is a condition affecting short-faced dog breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, as well as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boston Terriers, Boxers and other breeds), affecting the ease of breathing at rest, during sleep or during exercise. It can be due to a combination of anatomical issues – narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, thickened soft palate, enlarged tonsils and everted/enlarged laryngeal saccules. These are all conditions that can be corrected by surgery at Wingham & Valley Vets by our experienced BOAS surgeon. The ultimate aim of surgery is to improve the quality of life of your precious little dog. Left untreated, BOAS symptoms tend to worsen over time due to secondary changes that develop in the narrowed airways. Conversely, many dogs can live a much more comfortable and healthy and active life, if they have BOAS surgery at the right time. Please enquire with Dr. Michael Healy or book online for a consultation via our website, to see if BOAS surgery may be right for your loved one.

We perform airway surgery to a very high standard, on Brachycephalic breeds at our modern, well-equipped and purpose-built Veterinary Hospital in Wingham. We see dogs from all over the Manning Valley – Wingham, Taree, Gloucester, Old Bar, Harrington, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Forster, Tuncurry, and beyond. We also accept referrals from other nearby Veterinary clinics across the mid-north Coast.