BOAS Surgery in Dogs: Breathe Easier in Orange County, CA

Top 3 Key Takeaways

What Is BOAS Surgery and Why Is It Necessary for Some Dogs?

BOAS surgery—short for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome surgery—is a corrective procedure for dogs with shortened skulls and flat faces. These dogs, called brachycephalic breeds, include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus. While undeniably adorable, their facial structure can cause serious breathing issues due to narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares), elongated soft palates, and underdeveloped windpipes (hypoplastic tracheas).

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome compromises airflow, often leading to chronic snoring, noisy breathing, labored panting, and even life-threatening respiratory distress—especially in warmer climates like Orange County, CA. BOAS surgery typically includes procedures such as soft palate resection, nares widening, and saccules removal, all of which aim to clear the dog’s airway and improve oxygen flow.

In Orange County, CA, where French Bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds are especially popular, this surgery is frequently recommended. Our temperate but warm weather can make breathing harder for brachycephalic dogs. Early intervention through BOAS surgery can dramatically enhance their comfort, reduce long-term health risks, and even extend their lifespan.

Figure 1: Before (left) and after (right) BOAS surgery showing widened nostrils following stenotic nares correction—improving airflow and breathing comfort.

How Do I Know If My Dog Needs BOAS Surgery?

Recognizing the signs of BOAS can be life-changing for your dog. While many pet parents think snoring or loud breathing is “normal” for breeds like French Bulldogs, these noises are actually signs of airway obstruction. If left untreated, it can lead to collapse of the airway, heat intolerance, fainting episodes, or chronic fatigue.

Common symptoms include:

In Orange County, CA, many brachycephalic dogs live active, outdoor lifestyles. However, without intervention, they may suffer from oxygen deprivation during walks or warm weather. If your dog struggles with any of these symptoms, schedule an airway evaluation with our veterinary team at Bliss Animal Hospital. We’ll assess their condition and recommend diagnostic steps such as laryngoscopy or fluoroscopy to confirm the severity of the airway obstruction.

Remember: catching it early reduces complications and recovery time.

Figure 2: Illustration of soft palate surgery for BOAS treatment: shortening the elongated soft palate to open the airway and improve breathing in brachycephalic dogs. Source: www.garstonvets.co.uk

Figure 3: BOAS surgery often involves removing everted laryngeal saccules (left) to reduce airway obstruction. After surgery (right), airflow improves and breathing becomes easier. Source: www.garstonvets.co.uk

What Happens During BOAS Surgery?

BOAS surgery is tailored to the specific anatomical challenges of your dog. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we customize every procedure to meet your dog’s needs using safe, modern techniques and advanced monitoring tools. A typical BOAS surgery may include the following:

These procedures are performed under general anesthesia with full pre-surgical bloodwork and monitoring. Your pet will receive intravenous fluids, pain management, and post-op care tailored to reduce swelling and discomfort.

For pet owners in Orange County, CA, we understand how important it is to minimize disruption to your daily routine. Most pets are discharged the same day or the next morning, and the recovery process usually takes 10–14 days.

We accept all major pet health insurances and offer CareCredit with payment plans for qualifying clients to ease the financial burden.

What Is the Recovery Like After BOAS Surgery?

Recovery after BOAS surgery is typically smooth with appropriate post-op care. At Bliss Animal Hospital, your pet will go home with detailed aftercare instructions, medications for pain and inflammation, and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Here’s what to expect during the recovery period:

Most dogs show dramatic improvement within a week: breathing becomes quieter, energy levels rise, and sleep improves. Owners in Orange County, CA often report that their dogs are finally able to enjoy a walk on the beach or a hike without panting excessively.

We’re proud to support our local community with compassionate follow-up care. You’re always welcome to call or text us with recovery questions or concerns.

Is BOAS Surgery Worth It for My Dog?

For many pet owners in Orange County, CA, the decision to proceed with brachycephalic surgery can feel overwhelming. But BOAS surgery is not just about improving quality of life—it’s often about protecting your dog from a life of chronic discomfort, emergency airway distress, and premature aging of the respiratory system.

Veterinary research and clinical experience show that dogs who undergo BOAS surgery experience:

At Bliss Animal Hospital, we’ve seen firsthand the life-changing results of this procedure. Owners often tell us they feel like they have a “new dog”—one who breathes quietly, sleeps peacefully, and plays joyfully.

If you’re concerned about costs, we understand. We accept all major pet health insurances and offer CareCredit with payment plans for qualifying clients to ease the financial burden. Our team will walk you through the process and help you find the best plan for your family.

Final Thoughts

BOAS surgery offers a pathway to healthier, happier lives for brachycephalic dogs suffering from obstructed airways. At Bliss Animal Hospital in Orange County, CA, we are passionate about helping pets breathe easier and live fully. Whether your French Bulldog struggles on walks or your Boston Terrier snores heavily at night, our expert veterinary team is here to help.

We’re proud to support families in Orange County, CA with compassionate care, medical expertise, and personalized recovery plans.

If you believe your dog is showing signs of BOAS or has difficulty breathing, please contact Bliss Animal Hospital at (949) 354-5201 to schedule a consultation.

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