Breathing Problems In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs

Subject: 🚨 Urgent Help Needed for My English Bulldog Puppy, Winston breathing problems🚨

Dear Dr. Kraemer, Winston, is having some troubling symptoms he is making a lot of noise when he breathes, especially after a little bit of play or exercise 🐾. It’s not just the typical bulldog snoring; it sounds more strained, and he seems to be struggling more than usual 😓.

I’ve read about the common flat-face breeds nose and palate🚑.  what steps we can take to help him breathe easier.  Can we schedule a visit soon? 🗓️ #BulldogBreathing #BOASProblems 

Breathing problems in bulldogs French bulldog Puppies are very common and can critically impact your bulldog puppy’s quality of life and life expectancy.

Bulldog Respiratory and Breathing Problems: 5 X MUST KNOW

  1. Breathing problems are very common in all bulldogs, often, they begin at a young age and get worse with time.
  2. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is the most common cause of breathing problems in bulldogs.
  3. BOAS leads to aspiration pneumonia. Sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and hiatal hernia are some of the other breathing problems.
  4. Management includes weight control, a stress-free environment, a cool temperature, supplements, and surgical correction.
  5. Prevention & Care includes Dr. Kraemer’s Affordable Respiratory & Breathing Bundles 

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Breathing Problems In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs Ultimate Bundle

Bulldog Breathing Problems BRACHYCEPHALIC (BOAS)

Respiratory and airway diseases prevalent in brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, are often linked to their flat facial structure. This characteristic “pushed-in” appearance has adverse effects on the overall anatomy of the bulldog’s neck and head, impacting the soft tissues and structures.

These conditions typically fall into two categories: primary brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and secondary BOAS.

Primary BOAS are anatomical abnormalities that restrict airflow and make breathing difficult, while secondary BOAS refers to the ones that arise from the primary ones and the associated chronic airway obstruction.

  • Elongated Soft Palate
  • Stenotic Nares
  • Evertated Laryngeal Saccules
  • Large Thicken Tongue
  • Thicken Nasal Turbinates

SECONDARY BULLDOG BOAS:

  • Laryngeal Collapse 
  • Prolapsed, Swollen Tonsils
  • Hypoplastic Trachea

If not corrected, the combined airway problem gets worse with time

To learn more about bulldog and Fr. bulldog brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, click HERE

Bulldog and French Bulldog Breathing Problems / OTHER

  • Sinusitis
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Aspiration Pneumonia
  • Hital Hernia

Fr. Bulldog V4B StressLess Formula Handout

Breathing Problems In Bulldogs French Bulldogs STENOTIC NOSE:

Among the most prevalent breathing issues in French bulldogs, a stenotic nose stands out as a common concern. Stenosis refers to a narrowing, often resulting in a “pinched nose” appearance, which limits the airflow through the bulldog’s nostrils. If left untreated, this condition can exacerbate other BOAS-related problems.

Stenotic Nares can be surgically corrected by removing a wedge of tissue from the nostrils to allow improved airflow.

french-bulldog-stenotic-nares-after-wedge-cut-before-suture

To learn more about bully stenotic nares, click HERE

Breathing Problems In Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / ELONGATED SOFT PALATE:

Regrettably, the soft palate’s natural anatomical boundaries frequently undergo alterations due to past and ongoing inbreeding selection aimed at achieving the “cute smooched face” characteristic. The flat facial structure of these breeds pushes the soft palate into the laryngeal space, obstructing the critical area essential for respiration.

The obstructive tissue should be surgically shortened to improve airflow

Bulldog breathing problems elongated palate

To learn more about bully elongated soft plates, click HERE

Bulldog Breathing Problems / EVERTED LARYNGEAL SACCULES

Everted or prolapsed laryngeal saccules are small sacs or pouches situated within the larynx that protrude outward due to abnormal negative pressure caused by heightened respiratory effort associated with brachycephalic syndrome.

These bulging saccules will further exacerbate the ongoing airway obstruction,  leading to further impediments in airflow.

 

breathing problems in bulldog laryngeal saccules

To learn more about bulldog everted laryngeal saccules, click HERE

Breathing Problems In Bulldogs  / ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when the lower respiratory tract becomes inflamed due to the inhalation of foreign material such as gastric contents (vomiting), and esophageal contents (regurgitation).

The material aspirated can cause critical damage to the lungs and surrounding tissue of your bulldog puppy.

Unfortunately, the inhaled matter is usually laden with bacteria, therefor infection is likely to ensue.

Bulldog Breathing Airway disease Aspiration Pneumonia

Breathing respiratory airway disease aspiration pneumonia in bulldog

To learn more about bulldog aspiration pneumonia, click HERE

Breathing Problems in Bulldogs / Hypoplastic Trachea:

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, in bulldogs usually has a smaller diameter than that found in other dogs, which can lead to limited airflow.

Any issues in the upper airway or a narrowing of the bulldog’s airways can cause a rise in airway resistance and an increase in negative pressure within the airways. Although radiographic evidence of a hypoplastic (underdeveloped) trachea does not necessarily indicate a poor prognosis on its own, however, if it occurs alongside other Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) issues, it can severely worsen the overall airway impairment.

hypoplastic trachea in bulldogs

Enlarged Tonsils in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs :

BOAS gets worse over time. The daily chronic breathing effort, suction forces, and negative pressure can significantly enlarge the tonsils until they prolapse from their crypts, further obstructing airflow.

Tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) is recommended in those cases.

Bulldog breathing problem due to enlarged tonsils

Hiatal Hernia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs:

A hiatal hernia refers to the protrusion of the abdominal esophagus or a portion of the stomach of your bulldog through the diaphragmatic esophageal hiatus. These herniated parts may end up in the chest cavity or a section of the terminal esophagus. Hiatal hernias can be congenital, meaning your bulldog is born with them, or acquired later in life.

Hital hernia is more common in bulldogs than in most breeds.

bulldog hiatal hernia radiograph

Breathing Problems In Bulldogs / ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the nasal sinuses (sinusitis) manifested by nasal discharge, sneezing, snoring, open mouth breathing, at times bloody nasal discharge, and/or labored breathing.

It is often due to allergen exposure.

bulldog sinusitis hair impaction dental disease

To learn more about bulldog allergic rhinitis, click HERE

Sinusitis In Bulldogs and French Bulldogs:

Sinusitis involves the inflammation of the lining of the sinuses and nasal cavities.

In bulldogs, sinusitis can arise from various sources, including viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, fungal infections, dental problems, and the presence of foreign objects.

Common symptoms in affected bulldogs include sneezing, along with nasal discharge that may be clear, thick sticky, bloody, or pus-filled.

Your bulldog might also exhibit eating difficulties, bad breath, and bleeding gums.

To learn more about bulldog sinusitis, click HERE

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