28/08/2026
He was only 6 months old... but every breath was already a struggle. 💙🐾
Meet Kiaros.
At just 6 months old, Kiaros was already struggling with multiple aspects of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - a condition that affects flat-faced breeds, making it difficult for them to breathe normally.
His owners noticed the more obvious signs, including noisy breathing, snoring, and difficulty sleeping, but there was much more happening beneath the surface.
Like many dogs with BOAS, Kiaros was suffering from silent regurgitation (where stomach contents flow back up the oesophagus without obvious vomiting). Although there was little obvious vomiting or regurgitation, stomach acid was repeatedly refluxing into his throat. Over time, this caused superficial acid burns and inflammation to the delicate tissue lining his larynx (voice box), further narrowing his airway and contributing to severe sleep apnoea (episodes where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep).
BOAS is not simply a breathing disorder. The increased effort required to breathe creates abnormal pressure within the chest, which can promote gastro-oesophageal reflux (when stomach contents and acid flow back up into the oesophagus). This can lead to chronic inflammation of the upper airway and, in some dogs, aspiration (where stomach contents accidentally enter the lungs) of refluxed material into the lungs.
One common misconception is that English Bulldogs with relatively open-looking nostrils don’t need nasal surgery.
As you can see from Kiaros’ photos, his nostrils appeared fairly typical for the breed. However, even subtle narrowing can significantly increase airway resistance.
A modified wedge rhinoplasty (a procedure that widens the nostrils to improve airflow) was performed as part of his multilevel BOAS surgery (surgery that addresses multiple areas of the upper airway causing obstruction), widening the nostrils to improve airflow. This was performed alongside correction of the other upper airway abnormalities contributing to his breathing difficulties.
Small improvements at each level of the airway can combine to produce a substantial overall improvement in airflow.
Today, Kiaros can breathe more comfortably, sleep more peacefully, and enjoy a greatly improved quality of life. 💙🐾
Here’s to easier breaths, peaceful sleeps, and many happy adventures ahead, Kiaros. 💙
If your flat-faced dog snores excessively, struggles to exercise, wakes frequently during sleep, or seems to swallow repeatedly without obvious vomiting, these may be signs of BOAS and associated reflux. Early assessment and treatment can make a profound difference, not only to breathing, but to long-term health and comfort.
