Brachycephalic Syndrome in French Bulldogs: What Every Owner Needs to Know
French bulldogs have soared in popularity in recent years, thanks to their charming personalities, compact size, and distinctively adorable wrinkled faces. However, the very physical traits that make Frenchies so appealing also put them at high risk for a serious condition called brachycephalic syndrome. As a French bulldog owner or potential owner, it‘s crucial to understand this prevalent health issue and how it could impact your pup.
What is brachycephalic syndrome?
Brachycephalic syndrome, or brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), refers to a set of anatomical abnormalities that cause breathing difficulties in short-faced dog breeds like French bulldogs, English bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers. Over many generations, these breeds have been selectively bred to have flatter faces, smaller nostrils, and shorter airways – features which unfortunately don‘t leave much room for unobstructed breathing.
The most common components of BOAS include:
- Stenotic nares – Abnormally narrow or small nostrils that restrict airflow
- Elongated soft palate – The soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth is too long, partially blocking the entrance to the trachea (windpipe)
- Hypoplastic trachea – The trachea has a narrower diameter than normal
- Everted laryngeal saccules – Small bags of tissue inside the voicebox that can get sucked into the airway and cause further obstruction
Essentially, dogs with BOAS have to work harder to breathe in enough air through their short, cramped respiratory tracts. This struggle to breathe often causes the snorting, snoring, and labored breathing that are classic signs of BOAS.
Signs and symptoms of BOAS in French bulldogs
BOAS is extremely common in the French bulldog breed. A 2021 study in the UK found that over 70% of French bulldogs had some degree of it. Even Frenchies without obvious breathing problems still tend to have the trademark anatomical features that cause airway obstruction to some extent.
Some of the most frequent signs of brachycephalic syndrome in French bulldogs include:
- Noisy breathing (snoring, snorting, wheezing, etc.) while awake or asleep
- Labored, open-mouth breathing and panting
- Rapid breathing rate
- Low tolerance for exercise and physical activity
- Gagging, retching, or vomiting
- Restlessness and difficulty settling down or getting comfortable
- Blue or grey gums and tongue (indicates dangerously low oxygen levels)
- Collapsing or fainting episodes
These signs are often worse in warm, humid weather, as brachycephalic dogs can quickly overheat due to their inefficient panting. Excess weight also tends to worsen symptoms of BOAS.
Health risks of untreated BOAS
Without appropriate management and treatment, the chronic strain on the airways caused by BOAS can lead to several serious and even life-threatening health problems for French bulldogs, such as:
- Laryngeal collapse
- Severe oxygen deprivation
- Heat stroke
- Heart disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Skin fold infections
- Spinal malformations
- Eye conditions like cherry eye and ulcers
- Sleep apnea and sleep deprivation
Diagnosing BOAS in French bulldogs
If you notice any signs of labored breathing or other BOAS symptoms in your French bulldog, it‘s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Besides a thorough physical examination, some common ways to diagnose and grade the severity of BOAS include:
- Listening to the lungs and airway with a stethoscope
- Visual examination of the nostril openings, skull shape, and soft tissues of the mouth and throat
- Use of a small camera (endoscope) to examine the inner airways
- Chest x-rays to assess the size of the trachea and check for secondary heart or lung disease
- Arterial blood gas analysis to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood
- Airway fluoroscopy, which uses real-time x-ray to visualize the airways while the dog is breathing
Treating and managing BOAS
The treatment approach for French bulldogs with BOAS depends on the severity of their condition. Mild cases may respond well to conservative management aimed at minimizing airway stress and preventing flare-ups, such as:
- Keeping the dog at a lean, healthy weight
- Using a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting pressure on the neck
- Limiting exercise and outdoor time during hot, humid weather
- Maintaining a cool environment at home and in the car
- Avoiding extremely stressful or over-stimulating situations
- Providing plenty of rest and minimizing any unnecessary exertion
For more advanced cases of BOAS causing significant quality of life issues, surgery may be recommended to physically modify the airways and improve airflow. Surgical procedures that can help French bulldogs with BOAS include:
- Wedge resection – Removing a wedge of tissue from the nostrils to create wider openings
- Soft palate resection – Trimming back the excess length of the soft palate
- Laryngeal sacculectomy – Removing the everted laryngeal sacs
Although these surgeries can dramatically reduce airway resistance, it‘s important to understand that they don‘t cure BOAS or completely normalize a French bulldog‘s breathing. These dogs will always be more sensitive to respiratory issues compared to non-brachycephalic breeds. Ongoing weight, environment, and activity management is still crucial even after surgery.
The responsibility of French bulldog owners and breeders
As the owner of a brachycephalic breed like a French bulldog, the onus is on you to stay vigilant for any signs of breathing problems and to provide a lifestyle that accommodates their unique needs. This includes seeking prompt veterinary care if you notice any BOAS symptoms getting worse.
Of course, the prevalence of BOAS in French bulldogs also highlights ethical concerns with breeding and buying dogs with such exaggerated features that detract from their health and welfare. Many animal welfare organizations are pushing for revised breed standards that put less emphasis on the flat face shape in favor of more moderate physical traits that support healthier breathing.
If you‘re considering getting a French bulldog puppy, look for a responsible breeder who screens their breeding stock for BOAS and prioritizes health over appearance. Adopting an adult Frenchie from a rescue organization is also a great way to give a dog in need a loving home.
Conclusion
brachycephalic syndrome may be common in French bulldogs, it doesn‘t have to define their lives. By educating yourself about this condition, taking steps to reduce contributing factors, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help your flatter-faced friend live a happier, healthier life. No dog should have to struggle just to breathe, so let‘s all do our part to combat BOAS and secure a brighter future for these special pups.
){kind=link}