Stenotic Nares In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs

By: Dr. Roy Kraemer |
DVM, Bulldog Specialist Veterinarian

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

Stenotic Nares in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs MUST KNOW:

Many bulldog owners are unaware of this condition, and how impactful it is to their bulldog’s health and quality of life.

Unfortunately, even some veterinarians underplay its significance. It is not surprising that many of you are hesitant and skeptical when considering the merits of repairing it.

I am confident that after reading this article you will be at ease and motivated to get it done.

Bulldog stenotic nares after cut before suture

Bulldog Elongated Stenotic Nares 5 X MUST KNOW

  1. Stenotic nares are very common in the bulldog breed, particularly Fr. Bulldogs.
  2. It is a severe, debilitating obstructive airway condition that usually requires surgery.
  3. They usually present with loud breathing sounds and, at times, sleep apnea.
  4. Management includes weight control, a stress-free environment, a cool temperature, and supplements,
  5. Prevention & Care includes Dr. Kraemer’s Affordable Stenotic Nares Bundles 

Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX

Bulldog Airways Bundle - Ultimate

Bulldog and French 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

Stenotic Nares in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs CAUSE:

The cause of bulldog pinched nose disorder is the compressed face/nose that leads to malformation, cartilage atrophy, and inward collapse.

The pinched bulldog’s narrow nostrils impact the amount of air that can flow into and through your bulldog’s nostrils.

Stenotic Pinched Nares in French Bulldogs surgery repair

Pinched Narrow Nostril in Bulldogs / PRESENTATION:

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.

Stenotic Nares in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / POTENTIAL OUTCOME:

  • Increased respiratory effort
  • Increased airway resistance
  • Gastrointestinal inflammation
  • Head 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 cartilages 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:

The diagnosis of stenotic nares is usually made during the physical exam via a visual inspection.

French bulldog pinched stenotic nose before surgery
French bulldog stenotic pinched nares after surgery

Dr. Kraemer’s French Bulldog Stenotic Nares / PREVENTIVE CARE:

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.

Bulldog Stenotic Nose / THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS 

While waiting for surgical repair or mild non-surgical cases will benefit from non-prescription bully supplements

bulldog stenotic nares Bundle - Essential

Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog STRESS & CALM

  1. V4B Bully StressLess
  2.  V4B Bully HEMP Relax & Calm

Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog IMMUNITY

  1. V4B Bully Immune Support
  2.  V4B Bully Fish Oil EFA

Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog REFLUX & VOMIT

  1. V4B Bully Probiotic LOAD UP
  2.  V4B Bully Probiotic KEEP UP

Try Dr. Kraemer’s stenotic nares affordable bundles, see HERE

Our community prefers prevention over RX

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:

Bulldog Stenotic Nares can, and should, be surgically corrected in order to allow improved airflow through the nostrils.

Bulldog stenotic nares is a major contributor to airway resistance.Thus, correcting your bully pinched nose will greatly reduce airway pressure.

Stenotic Pinched Narrow Nares in English Bulldogs wedge resection

SURGERY is required for most of the BAS anatomic abnormalities that interfere with the patient’s breathing  

BULLDOG STENOTIC PINCHED NOSE SURGERY POST-OP:

There are bully owners who worry about post-op unflattering cosmetic changes.

While you should expect an unappealing, crusty, inflamed nose for a few days post-op, it’s all short-term and will be gone and healed within a few weeks. After that post-op healing period, the only difference that you and others will notice is your bulldog’s improved breathing.

Rest assured that when done by an experienced surgeon, the good looks of your handsome/beautiful bulldog will not be affected.

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”.

French bulldog Puppy Stenotic Nares Pinched nose

Thus, left untreated for a long period of time, bulldog stenotic nares can lead to:

  • Serious health problems
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Shorter life expectancy

Stenotic Nares in English Bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS:

Tip #1 / Bulldog Pinched Nose/ TIMING:

Early correction of stenotic nares will significantly improve airway function and should prevent the development of everted laryngeal saccules and other BAS secondary problems.

Stenotic Nares Tip #2 BULLDOG VET:

Seek a bulldog veterinarian that is familiar with the BAS problems, bully anesthesia, and stenotic nares, as well as other BAS conditions requiring surgical repair.

Stenotic Nares Tip #3 ELECTIVE SURGERIES:

To avoid tragic post-op complications of elective procedures such as spaying & neuter, have the BAS problems repaired at the same time or prior to those electives.

French Bulldog Stenotic Nares Tip #4 COOLING:

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.

Bulldog Pinched Nose Tip #5 OXYGEN:

At times, supplementation with oxygen is necessary.

Stenotic Nares Tip #6 ELONGATED SOFT PALATE:

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.

Stenotic Nares Tip #7 RADIOGRAPHS: 

A chest radiograph should be taken pre-op to evaluate your bulldog’s trachea, heart, airways, and lungs.

Stenotic Nares Tip #8 BREATHING:

Bulldogs suffering from stenotic nares only should be able to compensate with open-mouth breathing.

English Bulldog Puppy Stenotic Nares surgery repair

BULLDOG NARROWED PINCHED NOSE WARNINGS:

Bulldog stenotic Nares Warning #1 TIMING:

Medical problems related to bully stenotic nares get worse over time, therefore, timing is critical.

Bulldog pinched nose Warning #2 DECOMPENSATION:

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:

  • BAS: How many brachycephalic airway syndrome anatomic abnormalities are present?
  • TIMING: How soon they are corrected.

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The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding any medical condition. It's important to always consider professional medical advice promptly and not to delay seeking it based on information you've read on this platform. Any reliance on the information provided here is entirely at your discretion.

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