Introduction to Pinched Nose In Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
Stenotic nares in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are only one manifestation of a bulldog airway syndrome that falls under the “flat face” (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), or in short, BOAS.
Other BOAS common manifestations include
- Elongated Soft Palate
- Everted Laryngeal Saccules
- hypoplastic trachea
- Other secondary airflow obstructive conditions,
- swollen, prolapsed tonsils
- laryngeal cartilage atrophy (i.e. laryngeal collapse).
PINCHED STENOTIC NOSE MUST KNOW:
Many owners are unaware of this condition’s impact on their bulldog’s health and quality of life. Unfortunately, even some veterinarians may underplay its significance, leading to hesitation and skepticism about the benefits of repair.
However, after reading this article, I believe you’ll feel assured and motivated to take the necessary steps to address it.
FR. BULLDOG PINCHED NOSE POISEUILLE LAW:
Poiseuille law states that any small increase in your bulldog’s nose opening (the nostril lumen radius) will increase airflow by the 4th power. This drastic airflow improvement is critical, especially for smaller patients with smaller airways like French Bulldogs.
Increasing a bulldog nares size will raise airflow by the power of four
Bulldog Elongated Stenotic Nares 5 X MUST KNOW
- Stenotic nares are very common in the bulldog breed, particularly Fr. Bulldogs.
- It is a severe, debilitating obstructive airway condition that usually requires surgery.
- They usually present with loud breathing sounds and, at times, sleep apnea.
- Management includes weight control, a stress-free environment, a cool temperature, and supplements,
- Prevention & Care includes Dr. Kraemer’s Affordable Stenotic Nares Bundles
Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX
What Causes French Bulldog Stenotic Nares?
The cause of a bulldog’s pinched nose disorder is the compressed structure of their face and nose, which results in malformation, cartilage atrophy, and inward collapse.
This narrowing of the nostrils significantly restricts the airflow into and through the bulldog’s nasal passages, making breathing more difficult.
Pinched Narrow Nostril in Bulldogs / SYMPTOMS:
Bulldog puppies with stenotic nares will typically exhibit:
- SNORTING & GASPING
- STERTOR: noisy breathing due to obstructive nasal airflow
- SNORING
Most will snort when excited and snore when relaxed or asleep.
Severely affected bulldogs will exhibit:
- Pronounced airway noise
- Tire easily with exercise
- Retch, regurgitate, or/ and vomit
- Lightheaded & faint
- APNEA: Many bulldogs and French bulldogs with stenotic nares exhibit apnea and stertor (snorting) while asleep.
Pinched nose is COMMON in English bulldog and VERY COMMON in French bulldogs.
What are The Health Risks of Stenotic Nares in Bulldogs?
The health risk will progress with time, therefor timely repair is critical.
- Increased respiratory effort
- Increased airway resistance
- Gastrointestinal inflammation
- Heat stroke:
- Airway crisis: obstructive airway crisis
- Heart failure: hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure
- Pneumonia: gastric content inhalation due to retching, regurgitating, reflux, and vomiting.
- Everted Laryngeal Saccules
- Laryngeal Edema
- Laryngeal Collapse: laryngeal cartilage atrophy and irreversible collapse
- Pulmonary Edema: due to critical reduction of intrathoracic pressure.
- DEATH: Increases the chance of sudden death.
Stenotic Nares in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / DIAGNOSIS:
Diagnosis of stenotic nares is usually made during the physical exam via a visual inspection.
How To Prevent French Bulldog Stenotic Nares?
- WEIGHT CONTROL: Weight control is instrumental in proper bulldog care and more so for those suffering from BOAS problems.
- CONTROLLED ACTIVITY: Avoid strenuous exercise until the condition is repaired.
- CLIMATE CONTROL: Avoid hot or humid conditions.
- STRESS & ANXIETY: Reduce anxiety and a stress-free environment.
- SURGICAL REPAIR
Bulldog Stenotic Nose Prevention / THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS
While waiting for surgical repair or mild non-surgical cases will benefit from non-prescription bully supplements
1. Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog STRESS & CALM
2. Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog IMMUNITY
3. Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog REFLUX & VOMIT
French Bulldog Stenotic Nose / PRESCRIPTION RX
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY RX: such as cortisone for short-term relief of airway inflammation, swelling, edema, and respiratory distress.
- TRANQULIZER RX: tranquilizers to help calm your bulldog.
- COOLING: BAS cases, like those bulldogs suffering from stenotic nares, often overheat. Keep them cool with a fan and/or AC.
- OXYGEN: At times, BAS patients become hypoxic and cyanotic, a condition that requires oxygen therapy (cage flow masks).
It’s important to note, that medical management of this condition does not correct the underlying anatomical abnormalities, but merely lessens the symptoms.
BULLDOG PINCHED NARROW NOSE SURGERY:
to allow improved airflow through the nostril, bulldog stenotic nares should, be surgically corrected.
Bulldog stenotic nares are a major contributor to airway resistance. Thus, correcting your bully-pinched nose will greatly reduce airway pressure.
SURGERY is required for most of the BAS anatomic abnormalities that interfere with the patient’s breathing
BULLDOG STENOTIC PINCHED NOSE SURGERY POST-OP:
Some bulldog owners worry about unflattering cosmetic changes after surgery. While there may be some temporary changes like a crusty or inflamed nose for a few days post-op, this is short-term and will typically heal within a few weeks. Once the healing period is over, the only noticeable difference will be your bulldog’s improved breathing.
Rest assured, when performed by an experienced surgeon, your bulldog’s good looks will remain intact.
Stenotic Nares in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs RULE of THUMB:
There is an abundance of research and strong clinical evidence that suggests stenotic nares are likely to lead to a long list of bully medical problems associated with the “Brachycephalic Syndrome”.
Thus, left untreated for a long period, bulldog stenotic nares can lead to:
- Serious health problems
- Diminished quality of life
- Shorter life expectancy
Stenotic Nares in English Bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS:
Below are essential pinched nose tips and warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer
#1 🩺PINCHED NOSE TIMING TIP:
Early correction of stenotic nares will significantly improve airway function and prevent the development of everted laryngeal saccules and other BAS secondary problems.
#2 🩺 STENOTIC NARES BULLDOG VET TIP:
Seek a bulldog veterinarian familiar with
- BOAS problems
- with Bulldog anesthesia,
- stenotic nares, and all other BOAS conditions requiring surgical repair.
#3 🩺 ELECTIVE SURGERY FOR BULLDOG PINCHED NOSE TIP:
To avoid tragic post-op complications of elective procedures such as spaying & neutering, have any BOAS problem repaired at the same time or before those electives.
#4 🩺 FRENCH BULLDOG STENOTIC NOARE COLLING TIP:
Keep your stenotic nares bully cool and well-ventilated. In addition to AC, moving cool air over your dog with a fan or open window (car) is inexpensive and effective.
#5 🩺PINCHED NOSE OXYGEN TIP:
At times, supplementation with oxygen is necessary.
#6 🩺 ELONGATED SOFT PALATE TIP:
Bulldogs with stenotic nares often suffer from other brachiocephalic syndrome conditions, such as elongated soft palate.
It is critical to evaluate the palate and repair it when your bully is induced for his/her stenotic nares repair.
#7 🩺FR. BULLDOG PINCHED NOSE RADIOGRAPHS TIP:
A chest radiograph should be taken pre-op to evaluate your bulldog’s trachea, heart, airways, and lungs.
#8 🩺BULLOG STENOTIC PINCHED NOSE BREATHING TIP:
#1 ⚠️PINCHED NOSE RPAIR TIMING WARNING:
Medical problems related to bully stenotic nares get worse over time, therefore, timing is critical.
#2 ⚠️STENOTIC NARES DECOMPENSATION WARNING:
A bully with stenotic nares often decompensates when he or she becomes excited or stressed.
Acute decompensation can lead to acute respiratory distress, therefore, it is critical to keep your bully in calm, stress-free surroundings.
Stenotic Nares in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PROGNOSIS:
The overall prognosis for bulldog and French bulldog patients depends on:
- BOAS: How many brachycephalic airway syndrome anatomic abnormalities are present
- TIMING: How soon they are corrected.
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