Laryngeal Problems In Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldog INTRODUCTION:
Everted laryngeal saccules in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are a secondary outcome to the better-known primary bulldog obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Laryngeal saccules are the first phase of laryngeal collapse, a grave irreversible endstage airway obstruction disease.
PRIMARY BULLDOG BOAS
SECONDARY BULLDOG BOAS
- Bulldog Laryngeal Saccules
- Bulldog Prolapsed Tonsil
- Bulldog Laryngeal Collapse
Bulldog Everted Laryngeal Saccule 5 X MUST KNOW
- Everted laryngeal saccules are secondary to chronic severe BOAS
- Everted laryngeal saccules can turn into irreversible laryngeal collapse
- Everted saccules symptoms are loud breathing sounds that get worse during excitement and activity.
- Management includes weight control, a stress-free environment, a cool temperature, supplements, and surgery
- Prevention & Care includes Dr. Kraemer’s Affordable Obstrucive Airway Disease Bundles
Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog Laryngeal Anatomy:
Many bulldog owners become concerned when they notice their dog’s noisy breathing and intolerance to excitement, exercise, or physical activity, prompting them to seek information about BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and possible treatment options to relieve their pet’s discomfort.
Many are also unfamiliar with the anatomical location and function of the larynx and saccules, leaving them unsure of how these structures might obstruct breathing and affect their bulldog’s overall health.
BULLDOG LARYNGEAL SACCULES ANATOMY:
The bulldog’s saccules are located inside the throat, near the base of the tongue, with one on each side of the larynx.
They sit below the tonsils, close to the vocal cords.
In a healthy bulldog, the laryngeal saccules are part of the normal laryngeal mucosa, lying flat and deflated, where they remain invisible and do not obstruct airflow. However, when the saccules become everted, they protrude into the airway and are visible at the bottom of the larynx.
Depending on the severity and duration of the condition, they may initially appear as small bubbles in the early stages but can grow larger over time, becoming more pronounced and obstructive as they balloon outward.
The laryngeal saccules are situated below the tonsils, close to the vocal cords.
What Causes Everted Laryngeal Saccules in Bulldog and French Bulldog?
The likelihood of developing everted laryngeal saccules and a hypoplastic trachea significantly increases when a bulldog or French bulldog suffers from any of the primary airway abnormalities associated with BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), such as:
– Elongated soft palate
– Stenotic nares
– Prolapsed tonsils
– Hypoplastic trachea
These BOAS conditions exacerbate your bulldog’s respiratory effort by further obstructing the airway and restricting airflow through the larynx. This leads to abnormal negative pressure and suction forces, similar to the effect of excessive suction on a straw. The laryngeal mucosa responds to these forces by bulging inward, and as the suction intensifies, the tissue balloons further.
This ballooned tissue takes up critical space needed for airflow, adding to the already significant respiratory challenges caused by BOAS.
What Are the Symptoms of Bulldog Everted Laryngeal Saccules?
- Stridor: Raspy mechanical breathing sound that gets worse during excitement and activity
- Gastrointestinal: Hacking, gaging, regurgitating, and vomiting due to high vasovagal tone
- Coughing and Labor breathing: lower airway problems consistent with inflamed, infected lungs due to inhalation of gastric content common to hacking, regurgitating, and vomiting bulldogs
- Hyperthermia: High body temperature reaching critical overheating can happen in extreme cases
- Hypoxia: Oxygenation deficiencies and ventilation-perfusion problems manifested by the cyanotic-looking blue-purple gums and tongue
- Collapse and fainting: Due to the high parasympathetic tone and oxygen depravation
How to Treat Bulldog Everted Laryngeal Saccules?
Medical treatment is usually prescribed for short-term management.
1. RELAX AND CALM
Drugs: Injectable tablets like acepromazine and/or trazodone can help relax and calm your bulldog and prevent an anxiety-related respiratory crisis.
Supplements: like Dr. Kraemers’
2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES:
➡️ Steroids can help reduce swelling and inflammation
3. ANTI-VOMITING, NAUSEA & REFLUX RX:
➡️Anti-Emetics & H2-Blockers can help prevent bulldog aspiration pneumonia
4. ANTIBIOTICS
➡️ Antibiotics should be added if or when bulldog aspiration pneumonia is suspected
Everted Laryngeal Saccule SURGERY:
Surgical removal of the bulging saccules is usually required for severe cases.
Everted laryngeal saccules are typically inspected and removed during soft palate surgery
Bulldog Everted Laryngeal Saccules TIPS & WARNINGS:
Below are everted saccules tips and warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer
#1 🩺BULLDOG LARYNGEAL EXAM TIP:
A comprehensive oropharyngeal examination using a laryngoscope and appropriate lighting is essential.
Examination of the saccules should be performed under adequate sedation or general anesthesia.
#2 🩺BULLDOG WIGHT CONTROL TIP:
Obesity and overweight will exasperate respiratory problems, thus weight loss is critical.
#3 🩺 SACCULES EXCITEMENT & ACTIVITY TIP:
Stress, excitement, and physical activity should be kept to a minimum till the saccules and your bulldog BOAS are repaired, as any sudden increase in respiratory effort could result in serious complications.
#4 🩺 EVERTED SACCULES HARNESS TIP:
Don’t use anything restrictive or irritating on your bulldog and French bulldog neck. Avoid a neck leash, a harness is preferred.
#5 🩺EVERTED SACCULES HEAT & HUMIDITY TIP:
Keep your bulldog cool and calm, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest and most humid parts of the day. Bulldogs with everted laryngeal saccules are more likely to overheat and are at increased risk for heat stroke.
#1 ⚠️ BULLDOG LARYNX OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS WARNING:
In addition to bulldog everted laryngeal saccules and other common brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) conditions, it is crucial to rule out other laryngeal obstructions that are not directly related to BOAS but can mimic its symptoms.
Examples include laryngeal and pharyngeal
- tumors,
- polyps
- masses
- swelling
- laryngeal paralysis
- laryngeal collapse.
#2 ⚠️ BULLDOG SACCULES SURGERY DELAY WARNING:
Delaying the correction of bulldog-everted laryngeal saccules and other obstructive airway conditions can result in complications that may necessitate a temporary or even permanent tracheostomy.
#3 ⚠️ SACCULES SURGERY MONITORING WARNING:
Close monitoring and supplementary oxygen are essential during post-operative recovery, as most complications and emergencies tend to occur during this critical phase.
#4 ⚠️ LARYNGEAL COLLAPSE WARNING:
Neglected and untreated bulldog BOAS conditions, such as everted laryngeal saccules, can lead to fatigue of the laryngeal apparatus, cartilage atrophy, and eventually irreversible laryngeal collapse.
There is no worthy surgical remedy for bulldog laryngeal collapse
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