Brachycephalic Dogs and Elongated Soft Palate Reduction

Elongated Soft Palate - It is difficult to fit the soft tissues of the canine mouth and throat into the brachycephalic's short face. As a result, the soft palate that separates the nasal passage from the oral cavity flaps loosely down into the throat, creating snorting sounds. Virtually all brachycephalics suffer from this except that in bulldogs, actual respiratory distress is rare. Excess barking or panting may lead to swelling of the soft palate, blocking the airway and worsening the problem. Laser soft palate reduction surgery will open the airway for easier breathing.

Brachycephalic dogs have been bred so as to possess a normal lower jaw, that is (one in proportion to their body size) and a compressed upper jaw. In producing this cosmetic appearance, we have compromised these animals in many important ways and you, as an owner, must be familiar with the special needs of your pet.