Anaesthetic Management for Dogs Treated Surgically for Brachycephalic Syndrome: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Brachycephalic breeds have various health problems due to anatomic abnormalities that repre-sented brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). BOAS is characterized by stenotic nostriles, an elongated soft palate, aberrant nasal conche, everted laryngeal saccules, laryngeal collapse and hypoplastic trachea and is clinically observed by dyspnea, stridor, exercise intolerance and vomiting. Staphylectomy and resection of the ala nasi for surgical treatment of BOAS was performed in 30 brachycephalic dogs (BOAS group) (14 French bulldogs, 9 Boston terriers, and 7 pugs). There were two control groups, a group of 15 non-brachycephalic dogs and a group of 11 brachycephalic dogs that did not have surgery associated with BOAS. The dogs in the BOAS group had significantly higher body temperature compared to the control group of brachycephalic dogs, but not compared to the group of non-brachycephalic dogs. Internal diameter of the endotracheal tube was significantly smaller in the BOAS group and in the control group of brachycephalic dogs compared with the group of non-brachycephalic dogs. The time of extubation after general an-aesthesia was significantly longer in the BOAS group compared to both control groups. The brachycephalic dogs for surgical correction of BOAS should be provided with gastroprotectives, antiemetics, dexamethasone and analgesics before surgery, sedation should be minimal to achieve earlier recovery from anaesthesia and spontaneous breathing without support. After surgery of the BOAS, dogs should be provided with non-steroidal analgesics, gastroprotectives and metoclo-pramide, they should be restrained from vigorous playing and exercise for at least 10 days.