hard work.Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome -BOAS -is the collection of airway abnormalities that make flat-faced breeds struggle for every breath.
What You See at Home
You're not overreacting.
Loud snoring, snorting, and gagging are not just personality quirks -they're signs of an airway working too hard.Exercise intolerance, overheating in mild weather, sleep disruption, and blue-tinged gums after exertion all point to airway obstruction. Left untreated, it worsens with age.
The Procedure
Two corrections. One anesthesia.
BOAS surgery at Oso combines soft palate correction with stenotic nare correction in a single procedure. The elongated palate that blocks the throat gets shortened. The narrow nostrils that force every breath through a straw get widened.Most patients leave the same day with visibly easier breathing within a week of healing.
When to Do It
Sooner is better.
Young dogs recover faster and get the benefits longer. Ideally we perform BOAS surgery around the time of spay or neuter, before secondary airway damage builds up over years of struggling.Older dogs still benefit -we've corrected airways in dogs of every age -but the earlier the intervention, the better the long-term result.
Component ProceduresThe two halves.BOAS surgery combines two corrections in one anesthesia. Each one has its own page if you want the detail.
Not every brachycephalic dog does -but if yours snores loudly, struggles in heat, or gets winded quickly, they likely have BOAS. An exam and airway assessment tells us how severe.
Is it dangerous to leave BOAS untreated?
Yes. Dogs who struggle to breathe for years develop secondary airway damage, heart strain, and increased anesthesia risk. Correction earlier prevents these downstream problems.
How long is recovery?
Most patients are comfortable within a few days. Full healing takes about two weeks. Most owners report noticeably quieter, easier breathing within the first month.
Why Choose OsoExperience You Can TrustOver 20 years of advanced surgical expertise and minimally invasive specialization -caring for your pet at the highest level.Personal Follow-UpA real member of our team checks on your pet the day after every visit. No automation, just genuine care.Compassion at Every StepOur fear-free philosophy means your pet is met with calm, gentle hands -from the front door to recovery.
Owner Guides
Understand the syndrome.
Two plain-English guides on flat-faced breathing -what BOAS actually is, and what the sounds you hear at home really mean.
