Lucy presented for her spay surgery, however, during her initial puppy visits it was noted that her nostrils (nares) were squeezed tight against the centre of her nose (the central nasal septum). Her owners had noticed she would have a difficult time breathing when very active, although for the most part she was a normal, active little puppy. Unfortunately, many puppies do not have their stenotic nares addressed when young and easily corrected. Over time this leads to what is referred to as “turbulent airflow” through the nasal cavities and the upper airway. This causes a whole host of concerns over time, depending on how advanced the stenotic nares are, and is referred to as “Brachycephalic Syndrome”. Some breeds, particularly English and French Bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Boxers, and the like are most affected. Advanced cases require surgery to be performed on the palate and throat areas as well as the nostrils. However, if the stenotic nares are corrected properly early in life, there are rarely issues later in life and the puppies can play and exercise as if they had no worries in the world…Something all puppies should enjoy!
