BOAS Surgery for Dogs Brisbane
BOAS surgery treats Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a breathing condition affecting flat-faced dogs like French Bulldogs, Pugs, British Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. These breeds have a shortened skull but a normal amount of soft tissue, so airway space gets crowded and every breath takes more effort than it should. The British Veterinary Association has found that more than half the brachycephalic dogs vets see need treatment for breed-related breathing problems, yet most owners don’t recognise the signs until they’re pointed out. Our Nundah team offers BOAS surgery to open the airway, reduce that daily effort, and give your dog back an easier way to breathe.
Nundah
07 3707 5434
Signs Your Dog May Need BOAS Surgery
Loud breathing, heavy snoring and snorting aren’t “just how the breed sounds.” They’re signs of airway obstruction, and they tend to get worse rather than resolve on their own. Book an assessment if your dog shows:
- Loud breathing or snoring, even at rest
- Gagging, retching or bringing up food after eating
- Struggling to exercise or play without stopping to catch breath
- Poor heat tolerance, especially in Brisbane’s humid summers
- Disturbed sleep or restlessness overnight
- Blue-tinged gums or collapse (this is an emergency, call us immediately)
When BOAS Surgery Is Recommended
We recommend surgery once signs start affecting your dog’s quality of life, not just once they become severe. Left untreated, ongoing strain on the airway can lead to further changes, including secondary damage to the throat that makes future surgery more complicated. To decide the right timing, we grade your dog against the internationally recognised Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) system, using a short walk test to see how their breathing holds up under mild exertion. Many vets recommend correcting the nostrils and soft palate between 6 months and 2 years of age, often at the same time as desexing, though dogs of any age can benefit from an assessment.
Preparing for BOAS Surgery
Before surgery, we examine your dog thoroughly and run blood tests to confirm they’re fit for anaesthesia. Because brachycephalic breeds commonly have some degree of reflux, we often start medication a few days beforehand to settle the stomach and reduce the risk of vomiting during recovery, a precaution that meaningfully lowers complication risk in this breed group. We’ll also confirm your dog’s weight is in a healthy range, since excess weight adds further strain to an already narrow airway. You’ll get clear fasting instructions and a walkthrough of what to expect on the day, so there are no surprises.
What BOAS Surgery Involves
Anaesthesia
Brachycephalic dogs carry extra anaesthetic risk, so we use minimal sedation, get your dog breathing on a tube quickly, and monitor heart rate closely throughout, since these breeds are more prone to a slowed heart rate during airway procedures. This careful approach is one of the biggest factors in a smooth recovery.
Widening the nostrils
Many affected dogs also have narrow nostrils that add further resistance to airflow. We remove a small wedge of tissue to widen the opening, a quick correction that meaningfully reduces the effort needed to breathe in.
Immediately after surgery
The first hour after waking is the one we watch most closely. Some swelling is normal and can temporarily make breathing sound noisier before it improves, so your dog stays under direct observation until they’re fully alert.
Soft palate surgery
Soft palate surgery for dogs is usually the core of BOAS surgery. The soft palate sits at the back of the throat, and in brachycephalic breeds it’s typically too long, so it partly blocks the airway with every breath. We shorten and reshape it to clear that space.
Addressing the wider airway
Some dogs also develop small pouches of tissue drawn into the airway over time (everted saccules), which we remove in the same procedure. Most dogs referred for BOAS surgery need more than one of these areas corrected, since the obstruction usually isn’t caused by a single issue. We tailor the BOAS surgery procedure to what we find on the day, so you’re only paying for the correction your dog actually needs.
Preparing Your Cat for PU Surgery
Good preparation makes the procedure safer and recovery smoother. Our team will walk you through everything at your pre-surgical consultation, but here is what to expect.
Recovery After BOAS Surgery
- First 24 to 48 hours: Swelling is at its peak and breathing may sound worse before it gets better. Keep your dog calm, quiet and cool.
- First week: Small, soft meals, short lead walks for toileting only, and a harness instead of a collar to keep pressure off the throat.
- 2 to 3 weeks: Most dogs are back to normal activity and diet after a recheck, with full tissue healing continuing for a few weeks beyond that.
Owners typically report a significant improvement in their dog’s breathing and quality of life after surgery. It’s worth knowing upfront that surgery reshapes soft tissue, not the skull itself, so some residual snoring is normal even in dogs who are breathing far more easily. Brisbane’s hot, humid summers put extra strain on brachycephalic airways, so keeping your dog cool, both before and after surgery, is one of the simplest things you can do to support them.
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Nundah
07 3707 5434
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BOAS surgery cost in Brisbane?
The cost of BOAS surgery depends on how many areas need correcting, the severity of your dog’s condition, and whether extra diagnostics are needed. Every dog’s airway is a little different, so we assess your dog first and then talk you through the costs involved before booking anything in. Get in touch with our Nundah team for a personalised quote.
Is BOAS surgery safe?
BOAS surgery carries some risk, as with any anaesthetic and airway procedure, with published complication rates generally ranging up to around a quarter of cases, most of which are manageable and not life-threatening. Our team takes extra anaesthetic precautions for brachycephalic breeds to reduce this risk. We’ll discuss your dog’s individual risk factors before booking surgery.
How long is recovery from BOAS surgery?
Most dogs are back to normal eating and activity within 2 to 3 weeks, though full internal healing can take up to 6 weeks. The first 48 hours need the closest supervision, as swelling is at its worst during this time.
Will BOAS surgery stop my dog snoring completely?
Surgery significantly reduces effort and noise when breathing, and most owners see a big improvement in their dog’s quality of life. It won’t fully reshape the skull, though, so some residual snoring or noise is normal, even in dogs who breathe far more easily afterward.
At what age should my dog have BOAS surgery?
Many vets recommend correcting the nostrils and soft palate between 6 months and 2 years old, before ongoing strain leads to further airway changes. Older dogs can still benefit from surgery, so book an assessment regardless of your dog’s age.
Ready to Help Your Dog Breathe Easier?
If your Frenchie, Pug or Bulldog is snoring, struggling in the heat or tiring quickly on walks, book a BOAS assessment with our Nundah BOAS vet team. We’ll grade your dog’s breathing and walk you through the right next step.
